RESIDENTS say their picturesque seaside town is being ruined by "crazy rules" made up by "dictators" - and that their freedoms are being taken away.
Conwy Council in north Wales plans to ban dogs from the idyllic two-mile stretch between Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea.
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Dogs could be banned from this Welsh beach Credit: fpnw.co.uk？2023 4
Aaron walks along the beach every day with Brandy the Rottweiler Credit: fpnw.co.uk？2023
It said that beachgoers have complained about owners letting their mutts leave mess and run out of control.
But 2,300 dog lovers protested against the proposed ban on Sunday - slamming the council as "tin-pot dictators".
Aaron Haggas, 45, walks his Rottweiler Brandy along the beach every day.
He said: "It's terrible and it's discriminatory against dog walkers.
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"This is a very draconian measure to outright ban dogs from the beaches.
"We have parts of the beach where dogs are allowed and others where they aren't.
"It has worked fine in the past so I don't know why the council has seen the need to change their stance now."
Peter Rourke, 56, said: "It's diabolical, the council are just not listening to people.
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"The strength of feeling against this is huge. There were more than 2,000 people protesting against it.
"People just don't want this but the council are acting like tin-pot dictators.
"It's farcical the way they are behaving. These councils drive me mad when they act like this."
He added: "My guest house is dog friendly - we even have special sausages for dogs for breakfast.
"People who come on holiday want to bring their dogs but they are going to be put off if they can't take their dogs on the beach.
"This could hammer tourism in the area. It's madness."
MUTT OUT
Fellow dog walker Sian Jones, 34, said: "People should be fined for letting their dogs poo on the beach and then not cleaning it up.
"But that's only a small minority of people who do that.
"Some think the sea will wash it away but it's not right."
The mum-of-two added: "There are more dogs now after lockdown when people bought puppies.
"And they are used to places being dog friendly.
"Tourists will be put off coming here if they know their beloved pets aren't welcome.
"This is a crazy decision. People love coming to the beach with their dogs.
"Council busy-bodies shouldn't be interfering in this. They should leave out dogs alone."
Councillor Emily Owen said: "Proposed Public Space Protection Orders and dog fouling are topics that regularly come up in most councillors’ inboxes.
"These Dog Control Orders aim to create a balance for dog owners and people who don’t have dogs to be able to enjoy public spaces.
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"Our aim is to prevent the small number of irresponsible dog owners from allowing their dogs to foul, stray, and be out of control in a public place – thereby keeping everyone, including animals, safe.
"I’d encourage everyone to get involved and have their say."
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Peter Rourke called the plans 'diabolical' Credit: fpnw.co.uk？2023 4
Over 2,000 dog lovers protested against the plans Credit: fpnw.co.uk？2023