HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition against dog restrictions on Weymouth beach.

Dogs used to be banned from the beach between May 1 and September 30. However, last year Weymouth and Portland Borough Council extended the ban, between Easter Friday and October 31.

This extends the ban between six and nine weeks, depending on when Easter falls.

On the petition page, organiser Judith Moore said: "We have noticed that the beaches are now completely empty, during the extension and could safely be used and enjoyed by residents - and visitors - with their dogs. Many dog owners, both local and visiting, are complaining about the vast, empty beach here this month. They want the latest restrictions (brought in this summer) to be reconsidered.

"We understand that we need to keep Weymouth beach clean, and those of us who take our dogs to the beach clean up after them and encourage others to do so too. We offer bags to people who have forgotten to bring theirs. We each take part in assisting with keeping the beach clean. This includes litter that is not dog-related.

"We would like the ban date in the Bylaw to be changed back from October 31 to September 31 [this is as written in the petition] with immediate effect and the change to Easter Friday to be repealed also."

The shake-up – which includes restrictions affecting the Rodwell Trail, a ban on long leads, an increase in fines, and extensions to orders at the beach, the Nothe and other public parks – follows a consultation last year which led to residents demanding action on dog control and better enforcement.

As reported in the Echo, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's Management Committee agreed the adoption of a Public Space Protection Order for dog control to replace existing orders as part of powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

The order states a maximum lead length of two metres, to support better dog control and reduce fouling incidents. The fine for dog fouling will be increased from £75 to £100 to be paid within 28 days and reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

As well as an extension to the ban on the beach, the period dogs should be on leads at the Nothe will also be extended from Good Friday to October 31.

On the Rodwell Trial, dogs have to be on leads all year round.

Cllr Francis Drake said that the changes had been through a rigorous scrutiny process where residents had the chance to have their say– and the majority 'voted in favour' of the changes that were made.

He also said that the council has just paid £6,000 to have signage changed in line with the new restrictions.

"We have left a place at the end [of the beach] for dogs. We can't keep changing the rules backwards and forwards, it costs a lot of money. The consultation had one of the best responses we've ever seen and the majority of people were in favour of the changes that were made."