PART of the beach at The Dip in Felixstowe is to have a summertime ban on dogs if the government backs a move by Suffolk Coastal District Council.Backing has been given by the Council for a five-month ban of any dogs on a section of the beach that has held for the last four years the prestigious Seaside Award.

PART of the beach at The Dip in Felixstowe is to have a summertime ban on dogs if the government backs a move by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

Backing has been given by the Council for a five-month ban of any dogs on a section of the beach that has held for the last four years the prestigious Seaside Award.

"We received a number of complaints about dog fouling on the beach, and also along the promenade, and the proposed restriction during the summer months would give families the option of visiting a dog free area. This should help us both keep The Dip attractive to visitors and the Seaside Award's

Yellow Flag," said Andrew Nunn, cabinet member for the Environment Natural and Built.

"What we want to put in place is a similar bye-law to that which since 1989 has successfully restricted dogs on the stretch of beach between the Pier and the Spa Pavilion. This has made it an offence to walk a dog there between May 1 and September 30 each year and has helped to keep the beach clean."

People have until March 22 to write to the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the proposal to introduce a new bye-law. If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the byelaws are acceptable then he will confirm them. It is possible that a public inquiry could be called to review both sides of the debate.

N Tell us what you think of the proposal to ban dogs from the beach? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk