SIR — On Monday June 6 I was exiting the dog end of the beach by Minehead and West Somerset Golf Cub when I saw on the left hand beach (where dogs are not allowed in summer months) a gentleman scooping up his dogs waste.

I called to him that dogs are not allowed on that part of the beach, thinking that he may not realise this, but he ignored me.

I called again to which he replied "I don't think it matters" and walked back onto the same stretch of beach with his dog.

By this time my dogs had also run down there thinking that as his dog was allowed so must they be - they quickly came off again after being shouted at by me!

I would like to point out to this gentleman and others who think that this "no dog" rule doesn't matter or who don't scoop up their dog's waste that there is a reason for these rules.

I work for Somerset Sight, the charity which supports people with sight loss in Somerset, and frequently see the devastating effect that sight loss can have on people's lives.

It can result in extreme isolation, loneliness and loss of independence. Recent research has shown that sight loss substantially increases the risk of dementia. These are just some of the issues people with sight loss can experience.

Dog waste can cause many health issues through toxocariasis resulting from the eggs of the parasite found in much dog waste.

The effects can range from mild flu like symptoms that often go undiagnosed to a more worrying form that affects the eye and can lead to permanent blindness.

If this gentleman or any of his relatives had experienced blindness, he might pay more attention to rules prohibiting dogs on beaches used commonly by sunbathers and children in summer months.

If you would like to volunteer for our charity, please contact me on 01643 708382 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

Claire Packwood,

Somerset Sight.