THE ban on dogs using some of the Vale of Glamorgan’s beaches will take place as usual from May 1 to September 30 – despite calls for it to be lifted during the coronavirus crisis.

The beach ban applies to Whitmore Bay, in Barry Island, Pebbly beach in Cold Knap, Penarth seafront, Dunraven Bay, in Southerndown, and Cwm Colhuw, in Llantwit, and is enforced annually.

A Vale council spokesman said: “At the moment the council is striving to encourage people to remain indoors and follow Government guidelines.

“Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.

“All our actions are designed to promote that message.

“We do not have any plans to alter our policy regarding dogs on Whitmore Bay from May 1 but should current restrictions on leaving home continue into the summer that position may alter.

“It should be remembered that there are some residents who don’t want to share the beach with dogs and we believe the current controls provide a good balance between contrasting interests.

“Having a period where the beach is not open to dogs is also a requirement of our Blue Flag accreditation application, a measure of high beach cleanliness and standards.

“Dogs are welcome on nearby Jackson’s Bay all year round so it should also be noted that there is provision in Barry for dogwalkers that wish to visit a beach during the summer months.”

Baruc ward Vale councillor, Steffan Wiliam said: "Though I am responsible for the existence of the seasonal dog ban on Whitmore Bay in the first place, I wrote to the council requesting that the ban be lifted temporarily.

“This is so that people walking their dogs are given more space to be able to practice essential social distancing measures.

“Since our beaches are not in use in the same way that they usually would be in the summer months, I felt this was the logical and reasonable course of action to take.

“While acknowledging my argument, officers were of the belief that that act of lifting the ban could cause other problems in terms of mixed messaging to the public.

“They felt that changing the status quo could cause strong feelings and complaints from members of the public on the other side of the argument and that this is a distraction officers can do without at the moment.”

He added: “While disagreeing with them on this particular issue, I fully respect their position.

“They are doing an amazing job in very difficult circumstances and their professional judgement and working conditions must be taken into account during this crisis.

“They have nevertheless assured me that they will review the situation and that the ban may well be lifted if the lockdown continues into the summer.

“Jackson’s Bay is still available as a beach where dogs are welcome all year round, however, getting there involves navigating narrow footpaths which are not conducive to safe social distancing which is why I think it would be best to lift the ban on dogs temporarily.”

Dog friendly beaches, throughout the year, can be found in Jackson’s Bay, Porthkerry, Barry, Fontgary Bay, St Mary’s Well Bay, Nash Point, Ogmore-by-Sea, Cwm Nash (Monknash), Summerhouse Bay, and The Leys, in Gileston.