May I, on behalf of the silent majority who back this ruling, applaud the council on its stand?

Just after the new beach was opened and before the dog ban came into force I took my grandchildren onto the beach. There, above the high water mark, were heaps of dog dirt along the sand.

To those 'conscientious' dog owners who clean up after their dogs I would ask if they think it right that children should play in a dogs' lavatory? I wouldn't allow my children to play in the toilet bowl at home even after flushing, so why on the beach where dogs have been cleaning their bowels?

The beach and water are cleaner than they have been for years thanks to the closure of the Lynemouth coal preparation plant and to the efforts of Wansbeck Council.

Let's be glad of this and enjoy a beautiful beach without having to check that the area we chose to sit on is clear of the dreaded dog dirt.

Please, dog owners, stop whining.

You have plenty of other places, including another beach, to exercise your pets, so give a thought to others, especially the children who get so much fun out of playing in the sand.

GEORGE SANDERS
Newbiggin by the Sea.

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