
An annual ban on dogs on Morecambe's bathing beaches will come into force on Sunday May 1.
Dogs are excluded from Morecambe South and North beaches every year from May 1 until September 30.
Offenders will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100 to be paid within 14 days. This is reduced to £65 if paid within seven days.
If a penalty notice is not paid, Lancaster City Council may prosecute the offender in the Magistrates Court. The maximum fine on summary conviction is level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1,000).
Dogs must also be kept on a lead on the promenade and spaces such as the adjacent gardens and Sunny Slopes.
This is to comply with the Seaside Award, which recognises beaches in England that achieve the highest standards of beach management.
Restricting dogs during the summer months helps to maintain the water quality of the two beaches during their busiest period.
Lancaster City Council has said that you can report offenders by contacting the Dog Wardens on 01524 582935. More information on the dog beach ban can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/dogwardens.
Dogs are still welcome on other sections of shoreline either side of the two bathing beaches. This includes the Battery all the way to Heysham and the Green Street breakwater to Hest Bank.