MORE than 250 walkers brought their pets to a dogged demonstration on Weston seafront to protest against a new ban

MORE than 250 walkers brought their pets to a dogged demonstration on Weston seafront to protest against a new ban.Dog owners angry at the introduction of a winter ban on canines on the beach between the Grand Pier and the Royal Sands development walked en masse along the promenade calling for North Somerset Council to revoke the new rules.Colin Granner, of Langport Road, Weston, led the protest and said he initially expected just 20 people to turn up.The 46-year-old, who moved to the town four years ago, said: "I was amazed at the response we received, it really shows how strongly people feel about the ban."I think the coverage in the Mercury helped but we never could have expected people from as far as Southampton to come along."Colin collected around 250 signatures on a petition to hand to the council asking for it to reconsider the ban.A spokesman for the authority said: "These new orders follow wide consultation with the public and town and parish councils last year when people had the opportunity to tell us what they thought of our proposals."Dog fouling is one of the most common complaints from residents. Most dog owners are very good but we have to take action where it is needed for the irresponsible minority."This increase in dog control areas shows we take the complaints seriously and will do as much as we can to encourage dog owners to keep the area clean."Dogs are not banned from all of Weston beach, just between the Grand Pier and Royal Sands. Dogs must also be kept on a lead at all times on the promenade between the Royal Sands and Knightstone Island, and from Madeira Cove to Anchor Head. Our staff will be patrolling the area giving advice and taking further action where appropriate.