Portsmouth residents are being asked if they want to see changes to rules restricting dogs on the beach between Southsea and Eastney by completing a survey which is live and can be found here: https://www.research.net/r/DogsOnTheBeach
There’s currently a 24-hour seasonal exclusion zone between Southsea Castle and the Royal Marine Yomper statue, and at the Hotwalls section of the beach. It means dogs are not allowed on these parts of the beach between 30 April to 30 September.
Following a large volume of feedback from the public, the changes being considered from next year are whether to allow dogs on the entire beach all year round, but only during strict time periods during the bathing season – for example early mornings or later in the evenings.
Consideration is also being given to reducing the dog exclusion zone at Eastney, by moving the eastern boundary so it’s in line with the Coffee Cup Eastney. This would allow families bringing their children and dogs to the beach to be nearer toilets and facilities. It would also give residents easier access to a dog-walking area and provide a visible boundary of where the restricted zone starts.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“The current Public Spaces Protection Order which covers the current restrictions runs out next year. With the number of dog owners in the city increasing since the last order came into force it’s important to ask people what they think about the current rules.
“I hope as many people as possible will take part in the consultation to help us make an informed decision on any changes.”
The consultation runs until midnight on Friday 18 October and all feedback will be reviewed before the Council decides if changes are needed.