AT THE moment of writing, 2.22 pm on Monday, there are in your publication under the dog article, 15 comments calling for the ban on dogs on the beach to be increased and none supporting the vociferous anti democratic mob trying to get the recent alterations overturned.

For the record, whilst I think a total ban from the whole beach all year round is justified both on public health and public nuisance grounds would be justified, I actually believe the current ruling strikes a fair balance between dog owners and those who find dog mess and out of control dogs an irritant.

Also for the record, most of Preston beach and all of Overcombe/Bowleaze beach is open to dogs all year round. In my business dogs are permitted before 11am if they behave, (disruptive dogs are ejected) there are no dogs at lunchtime. Over a number of years it has proved to be a fair compromise.

Dog owners on the whole do not do themselves any favours. Many of them fail to recognise the legitimate concerns of non-dog lovers about public mess and dogs jumping up at people who do not wish to be molested.

I apologise to the minority of dog owners who are sensible and law abiding.

Today I have just walked a mile and back along the promenade.

It’s a lovely day. I must have seen 50 dogs off their leads on the promenade. I also picked up four bags of dog mess ( I don’t own a dog) . I think I am right in saying that all dogs on the promenade are supposed to be on a non extending lead.

I understand G4S or some other company is taking over enforcement shortly so hopefully the situation will improve. One cannot blame the current dog warden, he has an impossible job.

PAUL COCKS

Dorchester Road Weymouth

Send your letters to letters@dorsetecho.co.uk or post them to Have Your Say, Dorset Echo, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD