SIR — As a dog owner, I am grateful that I am allowed to enjoy the pleasures of walking my dog on Minehead beach during the summer months. However, at the moment, access to said beach is becoming more like an obstacle endurance test.

On reaching the footpath that runs alongside the golf course (ignoring the old cardboard boxes and refuse piled up in the corner of the car park there), one has to battle through litter and sand all along this path, simultaneously hacking one's way through over-grown hedges and grass.

On actually reaching the beach, one then risks "life and limb" by scrambling from rock to rock or slipping down on soft sand in between said rocks, to eventually land on the beach itself.

It is safe to say that youngster or people of excellent health may find all of the aforementioned "a bit of a giggle". However, not having that luxury myself, I really must protest!

I have contacted the council on two separate occasions explaining the problems and asking for safe access to the beach to be organised, all to no avail. I would add that my telephone calls were at the time when bulldozers etc, were actually on the beach, shifting sand about.

I was told, however, "that access to this beach came under a different department to those employing the relative machinery"!

I have noticed though that a brand new sign has been put up at the top of the path, warning of vast fines for dogs caught fouling that area. Well, if the litter was removed, the bushes cut back and some of the sand used to make safe access to the beach, the dog warden may be able to find something foul left by an inconsiderate dog owner.

If anyone from the council reads this letter, could they please investigate this matter and do something before there is an accident.

Mrs J F Boon,

West Street,

Minehead.