THERE are several beaches in the region where dogs are now banned - as local authorities warn those breaching the rules could be fined as much as £1,000.

Beaches from Whitley Bay right down to Saltburn are currently 'dog-free' zones for the summer period with strict new rules in place until September 30.

The rules, which are imposed at certain locations every summer, are part of a power that councils can decide to introduce in order to prevent dogs from using spaces.

A dog walker who falls foul of 'Public Spaces Protection Order' rules can be issued a fixed penalty of £100, although this is usually reduced to £50 if paid within seven days.

The Northern Echo: Sandhaven Beach in South Shields Picture: JIM SCOTTSandhaven Beach in South Shields Picture: JIM SCOTT

But if this fine is not paid, the the local authority may choose to prosecute an offender in court, where a maximum of fine of £1,000 may be given.

Read more: Council explains why dogs WON'T be banned from County Durham's beaches

It is understood that PSPOs are often enforced in areas to help prevent dog mess from becoming a safety hazard when places like beaches are at their busiest.

But as beaches are set to get busier in coming weeks and half term looms, we've rounded up the beaches where your family pet is now not allowed to use.

Redcar and Cleveland

Some areas under Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have PSPOs in place with Redcar and Saltburn beaches affected.

The council states an order is in place on Redcar beach from the western corner of Regent Cinema right down to the Esplanade, and Graffernberg Street.

Meanwhile down the road in Saltburn, dogs are not permitted on the beach between Hazelgrove and Saltburn Pier.

Hartlepool

In Hartlepool, two parts of beaches in the area have PSPOs - with The Headland (Block Sands and Fish Sands), and Seaton Carew - from the Norton Hotel to the Coach Park.

County Durham

There are no orders in place across County Durham's beaches preventing dogs from using them for walking and exercising.

Sunderland

In Sunderland, dogs are not allowed to use Roker Beach - between Roker Pier Cottages and the junction of Roker Park.

Meanwhile along the road, dogs are also not allowed to use Seaburn Beach - between the start of Queen's Parade and the roundabout for Morrisons supermarket.

South Tyneside

In South Tyneside, dogs are excluded from Sandhaven beach which covers the length between Trow Rocks and the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

North Tyneside

In North Tyneside, there are four beaches where dogs are not permitted over the summer period.

They include King Edward's Bay in Tynemouth, Tynemouth Longsands South, Cullercoats Bay between South Pier and North Pier, and Whitley Bay South.

Northumberland

In Northumberland, there are two main areas where PSPOs are routinely imposed over the summer season.

Much of the beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is off-limits, with the restrictions covering the beach along the promenade from the end of Beach Terrace to the marine centre.

A section of Blyth Beach is also restricted from dogs, with restrictions from Beach Gardens all the way to Blyth Links.

What people have said about dog ban beaches

The Northern Echo asked our readers for their opinions and we received hundreds of responses - with many left divided.

Some agreed that dogs should be banned, but an overwhelming majority appeared to suggest such bans should not be in place.

Claire Louise said: "No, and I don't own a dog. As long as people pick up after them and they are only allowed to run free if totally safe/friendly - so that's most dogs."

Karen Alderson said: "No the beach is there for everyone to enjoy. It’s humans that are the dirty filthy creatures that don’t take their filth home and clean up after themselves."

Meanwhile, Helen Stockton supported enforcing restrictions on sections of beach to make them dog-free zones.

She said: "I think a section of dog-free beach is a good compromise.

"Sadly, not everyone cleans up after their dog, and that’s not something anyone would want to find when playing or settling down on the beach (also potential health hazard)."

But welcoming a beach ban, Laura Dixon said: "Yes I don't want to go to the beach and risk my children been attacked or sitting in dog waste that owners can't pick up after them."

Elaine Frost said: "I'm a dog owner and pick up after my dog. However, I’m still aware that may urinate on the sand. I can assure you that won’t get picked up, people especially kids go barefoot in the sand and I wouldn’t want them to stand in it."