TOWN councillors in Minehead are working to make the seaside resort as friendly as they can for dog owners, both local and visiting.
The council has launched a new dog walk navigator map and an online guide to help people through the maze of local bye-laws covering where they can take their dogs for a walk and if they need to be kept on a lead.
Councillors hope the initiative will help people to ‘enjoy stress-free strolls while respecting our beautiful town’.
The guide covers dog-friendly locations, lead-only zones, and areas from which canines are banned, which includes seasonal restrictions.
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A spokesperson said: “At Minehead Town Council, we know just how important your four-legged companions are, and how confusing it can be to figure out where they are allowed to roam.
“That is why we have created this guide, alongside a helpful dog walk navigator map, to support stress-free walks and responsible pet ownership across our town.
“Over time, there has been some uncertainty around where dogs can go off-lead, where leads are required, and where they are not allowed at all.
“While we love seeing happy dogs and responsible owners enjoying our open spaces, it is also essential that all members of our community, pet lovers and non-pet lovers alike, feel comfortable using shared public spaces.
“Let us all help keep Minehead welcoming for everybody, two legs or four.”
Last year, Somerset Council reintroduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Minehead, legally enforceable orders which set out where dogs can be walked with or without a lead and where access is restricted.
It followed five years without PSPO restrictions because district councillors at the time forgot to renew the legislation.
The town council spokesperson said: “We kindly ask all dog owners to respect these rules, make use of dog waste bins provided, and help maintain the cleanliness and safety of our town for all residents and visitors.
“We will be investing in upgraded signage over the next few weeks to help our community better understand the dog restrictions that apply to our areas.
“It is important to note that breaching these orders may result in a fine.”
The spokesperson said what people needed to know was:
- Dogs are welcome in many parts of Minehead, particularly on town council-managed land, where it encouraged respectful use of the green spaces
- Some areas require dogs to be kept on a lead, especially in busy or sensitive locations
- Certain locations are dog-free zones, either permanently or seasonally (typically from May 1 to September 30) to protect wildlife, young children, or other space users
They said it was easy to understand which rules applied where by downloading the navigator map, which highlighted:
- Areas where well-behaved dogs are welcome
- Locations where dogs must be kept on a lead
- Zones with seasonal exclusions
- Where dogs are not permitted
The navigator map, which gives a full list individually of the areas that are covered by dog control orders can be downloaded from the town council’s website.