A Ventnor town councillor is calling on the Isle of Wight Council to use its current review of beach restrictions to make the island a more attractive place for local dog owners and for the many visitors who travel with their pets.
Cllr Ian Bond has tabled a motion for the Town Council’s 12 August meeting, which asks the council to look at the changes made in Cornwall since 2020.
Cllr Bond said:
“Cornwall County Council reviewed all its beach restrictions in 2020, which had previously been similar to the Island’s with many beaches restricted May through September.
"After its largest-ever public consultation, almost all Cornish beaches are now restricted for July and August and between 10am and 6pm, only.”
The new Cornish restrictions were supported by more than two in three responses to its consultation across the county, and have remained popular having been retained after a further review two years ago.
Cllr Bond continued:
“The review of local Public Space Protection Orders presents a tremendous opportunity to make the Island a more attractive place to live or visit with a dog.
"We should restrict our beaches during the busy school holiday months only, and allow dog owners to use them during early morning and evening, when they are otherwise often empty.”
Following the lapsing of Isle of Wight Council restrictions earlier this year, Ventnor has reportedly seen dog owners using the beach at quieter times during the summer.