A BAN on dogs on Weymouth beach will remain in place, despite a backlash from residents.

As reported in the Echo, more than 1,000 people added their signature to petitions against the extended ban, which was consulted on and put in place by the borough council last year.

It means that dogs are prohibited from the main beach area from Easter until October 31. This is an extension of between six and nine weeks a year, depending on when Easter falls.

But dog owners said this would put people from coming off Weymouth, and they presented two petitions- each with 600 signatures- to the council.

However, at the borough's full council meeting it was agreed that 'no further action will be taken' and the extended ban will remain in place until at least 2019.

Speaking at the full council meeting John King, who owns a café on the Esplanade, explained how the extended ban has had a noticeable negative impact on his business.

He said: “As a dog-friendly establishment, 60 to 70 per cent of our customers come in with their dogs – well behaved dogs with owners who have a respect for the beach.

“Feedback over the dog ban has been dismay and confusion. A lot of people don’t realise the changes had been made.

“It has had a derogatory effect on my business. Figures in October were down and I can only put that down to the changes."

But David House expressed his concern over the lack of 'dog free' areas in the borough.

He said: “What facilities are available for young people in this borough? I am looking at ages from about five to 10. When my grandchildren come and visit I want to take them to the beach. When my granddaughter, who has had two bad experiences with dogs, sees them running around on the beach, she comes running back over to us.

“So we took my grandchildren to Lodmoor, and again the place was crowded with dogs. So we went to Portland Quarries but again, the same problem.

“We don’t seem to have a place other than the fenced off areas with swings, where young people can run around freely without dogs.”

Judi Moore and Linda Stevenson, who submitted the petitions, urged councillors to reconsider.

Judie argued that the previous public consultation showed the majority of respondents - 63 per cent - were happy for the dog ban as it was.

She said: “The consultation clearly supports the cause of action we are asking for.”

Linda said she felt like the public were not represented. She said: "We have gained an insight from businesses, residents and holidaymakers, who have even said they will no longer visit the town."

Cllr Sandy West said: “I don’t see why a lot of people should be punished for a few people who don’t control their dogs. We have a responsibility to make sure our dogs are properly trained.”

But Cllr Kate Wheller said: “Our visitors start to come to us from Easter onwards. And visitors start trailing off in the October half term. I don’t see a problem with the extended ban.

Cllr Gill Taylor added: “We have already made a decision on this. There is no reason to change it in the meantime.”