SIR — I have just returned from walking my dog on Minehead beach at 7.30pm on Tuesday.
In another couple of weeks I will be banned from doing this, I assume because of mess left by some dogs and because someone objects to dogs being on the beach during the summer months along with holiday makers.
I have just collected two carrier bags full of rubbish from the beach left behind by holidaymakers.
They contained numerous plastic bottles, at least 20 (I lost count) glass bottles, the remains of four broken glass bottles and a dirty nappy.
This was just the section of beach from the Jubilee Gardens to the weather vane.
It amazes me that I will be banned from the beach with my dog, and yet these disgusting people are welcomed with open arms.
I don't know of any other holiday place that completely bans dogs from the beach during the summer without some provision in place for visitors/residents to walk their dogs.
Minehead seems to be determined to drive away so many visitors who are holidaying with their dogs - why?
It is time that this ban was discussed again in a rational manner.
Couldn't dogs be allowed throughout the summer on the beach from Jubilee Gardens to the harbour where few holidaymakers actually go? Perhaps dogs could be allowed on the beach between say 6pm and 9am below high tide.
It is now almost impossible to gain access to the beach by the golf club for able bodied people let alone anyone who is infirm, this being the only beach in Minehead available to walk dogs.
A dog/parking/litter warden could be employed during the summer months to ensure that not only is the beach kept clear of all types of rubbish but also motorists are not abusing the parking facilities.
Please reconsider this ban urgently.
Gail Herbert,
Clipper Quay,
Trinity Way,
Minehead.