With the dog beach ban coming to end this month, one local county councillor believes the Local Authority in Pembrokeshire can do more to highlight the restrictions to members of the public.

Beach bans are in place over the summer for a full five months of the year, between May 1 and September 30, across some of Pembrokeshire’s beaches, including parts of Tenby’s South Beach, Castle and North Beaches; as well as Saundersfoot.

A number of dog walkers have been handed Fixed Penalty Notices since Pembrokeshire County Council contracted WISE enforcement wardens took over monitoring breaches of the byelaws last year.

However, Pembrokeshire Council are said to have had cause to speak to ‘overzealous’ enforcement officers, tackling those seemingly breaking the beach ban restrictions on dogs in Tenby over the summer; and with numerous fines given out this year (where a maximum penalty of £500 can be issued) for breaches, Saundersfoot’s county councillor for the south ward, Cllr Chris Williams feels that more can be done next year to point out areas that are off limits to dog walkers.

“Whilst I welcome areas of the beach that are restricted during the summer period, I do feel that we as an authority could work harder on highlighting the restricted beach, especially if you’re walking from Coppet Hall as an example,” remarked Cllr Williams.

“I have discussed this in a recent services meeting where I have said that enforcement does work. However, there are genuine cases when individuals are totally unaware of the dog ban especially if they gain access from other points other than the main slipway.

“I have discussed with PCC that during the period when the lifeguards are in residence, that they are able to put out flags and signage when they put their own flags out which is tide related.

“I feel there is enough signage on the main slipway, and on the cut through half way down The Strand.

“I have a meeting walk through planned for October to look at how we can relay this information and try to prevent dogs on the restricted section,” he added.