Dogs on Beaches in Lytham

You can currently take your dogs on beaches in Lytham throughout the year, without any restrictions.

Elsewhere on the Fylde Coast, as with many other UK beaches, there are restrictions in place during the summer season.

This rule generally applies to bathing beaches – the ones where people sit and sunbathe and children play. More relevantly, these are the beaches where bathing water quality is tested throughout the year and quality ratings are awarded – more about that below.

The beaches at Lytham are very popular and well used but there currently are no restrictions about where you can take your dog. Dogs are required to be on their leads in certain places.

There is however a restriction on dogs on the central beach at St Annes during the summer season.

Dogs on Leads in Lytham St Annes Gardens

In Lytham, you are required to walk dogs on their lead and under control in accordance with the Dogs on Leads bylaw, in certain places.

In December 2021, Members of the Operational Management Committee at Fylde Council agreed to amend the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for dog control in four locations across the borough from January.

The updated measures now require dogs to be on leads at all times in Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Fairhaven Lake and along the promenade gardens. These have been introduced in accordance with concerns raised by the members of public.

Public consultation revealed that over half of respondents agreed with dogs being kept on leads when visiting the listed locations. It follows a series of tragic incidents where swans and pets have been injured, sometimes fatally, by dogs off leads.

Signage will be put in place over the coming weeks to ensure public awareness of these upcoming changes. Those who fail to comply may receive a fixed penalty notice or could potentially face prosecution.

Safe and Welcoming for All

Chair of the Operational Management Committee Councillor Roger Small commented:

“We continue to introduce measures that ensure Fylde is a safe space for all residents, visitors, and dogs to enjoy. We understand that the great majority of dog walkers are responsible when walking their pets. But the safety of the public is of the utmost importance to the Council. So we ask that people continue to exemplify the civic spirit that is so characteristic of our residents, in making sure our beautiful spaces are safe and welcoming to all.”

PSPO’s can be introduced in a public space to prevent persistent activities that are having a detrimental effect on the quality of life in the locality. Failure to comply can result in a fixed penalty notice of £100, or by prosecution a maximum fine of £1000.

For more information regarding the requirements across the borough visit www.fylde.gov.uk/pspo

Bathing Waters and Quality Awards

If an area is classed as a bathing beach the sea water will be tested throughout the season. The results of which are used towards the rating of the beach.

The Marine Conservation Society rates bathing waters for the Good Beach Guide, which helps you to find a clean beach around the UK.

Keep Britain Tidy rate facilities and the overall environment at beaches around the UK for their Seaside Award, which identifies beaches that are clean, safe, attractive and well managed.

Both systems help you to know whether facilities are good and the environment is clean and safe.

Enjoy the waterfront at Lytham

In Lytham there are many other miles of beautiful beaches and seafront which aren’t classified within the ‘bathing beach’ system. Here, you can enjoy walking, sports or other beach activities.

Dog fouling is a problem – full stop. But it’s a problem on bathing beaches not only because it’s revolting but because it pollutes the sea water.

All around the UK huge amounts of work is carried out at great effort and expense. We’ve cleaned up our shores to prevent sewage and other contamination (for example farmland run-off) from entering the sea.

It is important that you pick up after your dog wherever you walk it. Please bag it, pick it up and bin it.

While you’re here…

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