DOG owners are calling for a partial lifting of a seasonal ban making Minehead beach off limits to their pets. 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 seaside exercise area during the summer months - a section beyond Minehead Golf Club - is too inaccessible. And they want a stretch of beach from opposite the Arkade amusements to the harbour to be opened up all year round. Around 300 people have so far signed a petition launched by Minehead town councillor Gail Everett calling on West Somerset Council to review the current ban. Cllr Everett intends to allow the petition - available in local pet shops and other outlets across the town - to run until the end of September. "The only option available to people wanting to walk their dogs on the beach during the summer is at the golf course end - and that involves clambering over dangerous rocks," said Cllr Everett, who is also a dog owner. "That simply isn't possible for an awful lot of people. "Residents who are not too good on their legs cannot negotiate the rocks - even if they could walk that far in the first place. "The section that we want to see made available all year round only constitutes about a third of the total beach and it isn't the sandy bit where holidaymakers like to sit. "Minehead is being seen as 'dog unfriendly' by visitors with dogs and they just move on to Blue Anchor, Dunster or farther afield to Woolacombe. "Minehead really can't afford to lose tourists in this way." Cllr Everett said supporters of the campaign appreciated the health and hygiene concerns over dogs sharing the beach area with families. But she said they were keen to set up a community dog warden scheme to help encourage responsible dog owners to clear up after their pets. "Nobody wants to see dog mess on the beach and we are more than happy to help patrol the area on a voluntary basis if that helps allay any concerns." A spokesman for the district council said the authority welcomed feedback from all members of the public regarding any of the dog control areas in the district. But any review of the orders in place would require a full consultation with individuals, local businesses and community groups. "The council wants to ensure that the dog exclusion area on the beach is appropriate and strikes the right balance for all beach users," said the spokesman. "Dog fouling is a major concern for many local residents throughout West Somerset." The spokesman said the council recognised that most dog owners were responsible, kept their dogs under control and cleaned up after them. The authority was keen to promote responsible dog ownership and worked in partnership with the Dogs Trust to provide information and advice and hold events, such as the free dog microchipping session recently held in West Somerset.