Plenty of space remains for those who wish to avoid dogs when they visit the beach in Hastings

I have read with interest the news articles and letters you have published regarding the proposed increase in restrictions for dog owners who currently enjoy exercising their dogs off-lead on the beaches of Hastings and St Leonards.

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The areas where dogs are currently permitted is not excessive. Plenty of space remains for those who wish to avoid dogs when they visit the beach.

I assume the proposals are intended to reduce nuisance from dog fouling and poorly controlled dogs.

What the proposals do not take into account is the fact that those dog owners who flout the current rules will similarly flout any new rules. The behaviour of those who are non-compliant will not change.

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The proposals would result in dogs only being allowed off-lead during the hours of darkness. Is this really sensible, with potential danger from swirling tides and soft sand? Robberies and muggings are not unknown in Hastings and forcing people to walk on the beach in the dark, seems ill advised to me. I would request that the current restrictions are not changed.

Interestingly, the current signage on beach steps in St Leonards to the west of the Azur states ‘Dogs are not allowed on this part of the beach” despite the face that they are currently allowed. It seems the signage has been put in place before the consultation period has ended. Is this really a fair consultation or simply a sham, with the decision already made and signage placed?

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