CAMPAIGNERS calling for the lifting of a seasonal ban making Minehead beach off limits to dogs have handed over a 546-signature petition to support their plea.

Local resident Gail Everett, who is also a town councillor, set up the petition after being lobbied by local people.

Under current legislation, most of the beach is out of bounds to dogs between May 1 and September 30.

But campaigners say the only available exercise area during the summer months - a section beyond Minehead Golf Club - is too inaccessible for many people.

They are calling for a stretch of beach from opposite the Arkade amusements to the harbour to be made available all year round.

Mrs Everett, a dog owner herself, said the only open access area for dogs during the summer was behind Butlins, opposite Tesco and at the top end of the Parks walk.

"Some people have to resort to walking the streets with their dogs in the summer," she said.

"The section of beach available under the current legislation involves clambering over dangerous rocks and that simply isn't possible for everyone.

"The area we want to make available all round only constitutes about a third of the total beach and isn't the sandy bit used by most holidaymakers.

"Minehead is being seen as 'dog unfriendly' by some visitors and they just move on somewhere else - we really can't afford to lose tourists in this way.

"It's time that Minehead was brought into line with many other seaside towns in the area that do allow dogs on their beaches all year round."

Mrs Everett said the petition did not have the official backing of the town council and she was not speaking on behalf of the authority.

But she has won the support of West Somerset Council's lead member for regeneration and economic growth Cllr Karen Mills.

Cllr Mills said she was pleased to accept the petition from the many people who would like to use the small section of beach to the west towards Minehead harbour to walk their dogs all year round.

"I am very supportive of this proposal as I believe it will not only benefit the local community but will also enhance the facilities for the growing number of visitors to Minehead with dogs during the summer," she said.

However, Cllr Mills said a full public consultation would need to take place before any changes to the existing legislation were considered.

She said a review of the orders now in place would require local businesses, community groups and individuals to be consulted.

A spokesman for the district council said the authority wanted to ensure that the dog exclusion area on the beach was appropriate and struck the right balance for all beach users.

"Dog fouling is a major concern for many local residents throughout West Somerset.

"The council recognises that most dog owners are responsible, keep their dogs under control and clean up after them."

Mrs Everett said campaigners intended to set up a patrol to ensure dog owners cleaned up after their pets and the Jubilee Cafe on the seafront had agreed to store the 'high-vis' waistcoats that would be worn by the volunteers running it.