Reminder to owners that beach dog ban is now in force across Scarborough borough: Here's what you could be fined

Scarborough Council relaxed its annual dog ban as part of the social distancing measures for the Covid-19 pandemic.

That relaxation ended on Monday and the ban is now in force.

The dog ban covers the main sections of beach at Scarborough South Bay and North Bay, Whitby West Cliff and Tate Hill, Filey and Sandsend.

It lasts until the end of September.

The areas where dogs are not permitted will be clearly signposted at all beach access points.

Dog owners are also being reminded they must, by law, clear up their dog’s mess and take away and dispose of the sealed bags. The law applies to all beaches and public places.

Cllr Tony Randerson, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We’d always said that the restrictions would come back into force on June 15.

“It made sense not to enforce the ban while lockdown continued, but since the rules were changed, our beaches are becoming increasingly busy.

“We restrict dogs on certain sections to make them safe for people to use and to maintain the quality of bathing water.

“Owners can exercise their dogs freely elsewhere just a short distance from their homes.”

Breaches of dog bans can be dealt with by a fixed penalty notice of £75, but if prosecuted through the courts, the offences carry a maximum £1,000 fine.