'Public will have a chance to comment'

Port Erin Commissioners have proposed a change to the law, which would see dogs banned from the beach at all times during the summer months.

The local authority has argued that dog fouling has become an increasing problem considering more activities are taking place in the area.

A restriction is currently in place on dog walkers using the beach between 10am and 7pm, from May until September - the commissioners want to make that a twenty-four hour ban.

The proposed change is in the hands of the Department of Infrastructure and will also to have to pass through the Attorney General's office, before any consultation.

Chairman Nick Watterson says the proposed change is not set in stone, and the public will have a chance to make their views known.

News of the proposed amendment has spread through the village via an anonymously authored pamphlet - it's called on all concerned dog owners to write to the local authority and object to the change once the consultation opens.