Well done to the 4221 people who completed the Dogs in Open Spaces Consultation with 54% in favour of dogs off leads on the Lyme Regis Town Beach. This led to a new Dog PSPO in Lyme Regis for dogs off leads from 1 Oct to 30 April.
However it’s not as clean cut as it seems as Lyme Regis is now in a “Review Period” due to the Lyme Regis Town Council asking for a full year ban and asking that the 54% in favour of dogs off leads be overruled to give a dogs on leads restriction instead. Currently we are unaware of the criteria for the “Review Period” but there is a risk Lyme Regis could lose the “dogs off leads” which would then cause an issue as there would be no provision for those who fall under the Equality Act.
A mobility issue is a yearly, not a seasonal, condition which is why we asked for dog off lead access on the Lyme Regis Town Beach before 10am and after 6pm from May to Sept to comply with the Equality Act. However dogs are still banned from the Town Beach May to Sept which leaves those with mobility issues no safe or accessible beach to exercise their dog off lead. We are still asking Dorset Council for the following;
• access before 10am and after 6pm May to September
These restrictions work extremely well in Cornwall.
In Lyme Regis this would address the issues faced by those who are less abled bodied, have mobility issues or disabilities and who are unable to use the alternative Lyme Regis beaches that have been deemed unsuitable for them by Dorset Council. The early and late summer times would ensure families with children and a family dog can all enjoy the beach together.
OUR AIM & GOALS
We aim for a compromise and fair access for everyone to the Lyme Regis Town (Sandy) Beach.
Dogs off leads between October to April and dogs off leads before 10am and after 6pm May to September promoting good dog ownership. Allowing those dog owners who are less able bodied, have mobility issues or disabilities to have a safe and accessible space for dog off lead exercise due to the alternative beaches been deemed unsuitable for them. Allowing times for families with children and a family dog to enjoy time together on the beach in the warmer months.