Dog Beach Bans Return for Scarborough, Filey, Whitby and Sandsend

Wednesday, 1 May 2024 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Seasonal dog beach bans return today for a number of beaches in North Yorkshire.

The seasonal bans come into force on May 1st each year and run until September 30th.

In Filey the restriction affects the beach from a line drawn at 90° to the line of the coast from the southernmost point of the sea wall at Royal Parade to a line drawn at 90° to the sea wall from the northernmost side of the beach slipway which separates the Coble Landing from the Promenade.

In Scarborough there are restrictions at North Bay taking in the beach from a line drawn at 90° to the Promenade from the top of the northernmost beach slipway at the Sands (former Corner Café) to a line drawn at 90° from the Promenade to the top of the northernmost beach slipway at the end of the existing run of chalets (on the bulge of land previously occupied by the chair lift).

There is also a ban at Scarborough South Bay covering the beach from the West Pier to a line drawn at 90° to Foreshore Road from the top of the southernmost flight of steps leading to the beach at the roundabout adjacent to the underground car park.

In Whitby the Dog beach ban covers the West Beach from the West Pier to a line drawn at 90° to the Promenade from the east side of the beach steps approximately half way along the run of beach chalets.

In Sandsend the ban covers the beach from the steps below the public conveniences below Sandhills to the slipway at the southern end of Bank Bottom Car Park.

North Yorkshire Council's guidance on the seasonal ban states:

"A person in charge of a dog shall be guilty of an offence if, at any time during the period 1 May to 30 September inclusive in any year, they take the dog onto, or permit the dog to enter or to remain on, any land to which this Part applies unless-

(a) they have a reasonable excuse for doing so; or
(b) the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land has consented (generally of specifically) to their doing so."

Breaking the ban could lead to a fixed penalty notice of £100.

There are several areas of the coastal towns where dogs must be kept on a lead all year round, details can be found at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment-and-neighbourhoods/animals/dogs/dog-walking-bans-scarborough-area/dog-control-public-spaces-protection-order-2024