I WAS pleased that my letter regarding exercising dogs on our beaches, printed on April 30, elicited a response from a councillor.

Cllr Cooper pointed out that a consultation in 2009 in Bournemouth brought forward no great desire for a year-round ban.

We all, however, know what the euphemism “exercising the dog” means and my point was that our beaches have been well used by locals and visitors in hot spells in March/April and October.

There is also on my local beaches, Steamer Point to Mudeford Quay, a wilful ignoring of the “on the promenade all dogs must be on a lead” rule.

I am now grateful to Mrs Arrowsmith, whose letter advised that there is a consultation in progress at the moment on proposed dog control orders.

I was unaware of this and suspect that the results of this may reinforce Cllr Cooper’s assertion – unless people who think dog owners should be compelled to keep their dogs under closer control and do so for extended parts of the year express their opinion also.

May I urge all who would like our beaches and other areas to be quiet, clean and safe to contribute.

DAVID ATHERTON Westfield Gardens, Highcliffe