Proposed Changes for Dog Walkers on Aberavon Beach Out for Public Consultation

Proposed changes for dog walkers accessing Aberavon beach and promenade have gone out to public consultation.
Neath Port Talbot Council say they will be asking residents and
visitors for their views about rules for dogs and owners on the popular beach-front area with a consultation launched in June.
It comes as public space protection orders (PSPOs) are due to expire which the local authority say aims to “maintain the safety, cleanliness, and enjoyment of the popular seafront for all users”.
The proposals would see the continuation of the current seasonal restrictions on the main beach with dogs prohibited from the main section of Aberavon Beach between May 1 and September 30 each year with the requirement for dogs to be kept on leads on the promenade during the same summer period also remaining in place.
In addition they will also be seeking views on a potential change to extend the existing ‘dogs on leads’ requirement on the promenade so that it would apply throughout the year rather than only during the summer months.
Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, and wellbeing Cllr Cen Phillips
said: “Aberavon seafront is one of our most-valued and well-used spaces, enjoyed by residents and visitors throughout the year, so it’s important we strike the right balance between maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for everyone while also recognising and balancing the needs of responsible dog owners.”
A council spokesman added: “The council recognises that Aberavon seafront is valued by a wide range of users, including dog owners, and is keen to hear balanced views.
“The consultation is intended to gather feedback from all perspectives to help make an informed decision.
“Whilst many residents support measures to ensure a safe and welcoming
environment the council understands that any restrictions may be a concern
for some dog owners who regularly use the promenade throughout the year.
“The current restrictions seek to strike a balance between the needs of
recreational beach users and dog owners with approximately half of the beach
facing restrictions and half being dog-friendly.”
The consultation is now live on Neath Port Talbot Council’s website with people encouraged to take part and share their views. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

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By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​