Should a dog ban remain in force on a popular Norfolk beach?

Hunstanton 's main beach is currently off-limits to pets through the busy summer season.

West Norfolk council brought in the ban around 20 years ago, after concerns some careless owners were not picking up after their pets.

The current ban, which is known as a public space protection order, is due to expire at the end of November.

Now the council has launched a consultation over whether it should be renewed for a further three years.

Jo Rust, the council's cabinet member for people and communities, said: "We want to hear your views before making a decision.

"Most dog owners have their dog under control at all times and pick up after their pets and I thank them for being responsible pet owners.

"We welcome all feedback received, whether residents think it should be renewed or allowed to expire."

The current order excludes dogs from access to the beach in Hunstanton from April 10 - October 31.

Dogs must also be kept on leads along a section of the promenade in Hunstanton during the same summer months.

It also requires owners to pick up after their pets and excludes dogs from entering all children’s play areas. 

Similar bans exist on a number of beaches along the north Norfolk coast.

The latest debate comes amid calls for dogs to be banned from  parts of the shingle sea defences between Hunstanton and Snettisham.

There are fears that pets could worsen coastal erosion by digging into the bank, which has also been weakened by people placing decking and steps on sections of the defences.

The Hunstanton consultation can be found at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/consultations. It closes on October 30.