Dogs owners could be banned from walking their pets on a Suffolk beach, it has been revealed.

Walberswick Parish Council is looking at the possibility of banning dogs on the beach following complaints of litter and waste, along with other issues including noise from traffic and people, and light and dust pollution.

The proposal comes despite less than half of surveyed villagers backing a ban when polled by the Parish Plan.

Of those asked, 46% would like to see a ban on dogs over the summer months, along with 84% wanting a ban on jet skis.

Councillor David Webb believes that dogs on the beach could be a problem during the summer months.

He said: “Quite a few people were concerned about dogs on the beach in summer. It (a ban) is not an easy thing to do but it’s being looked at.”

This is not the first time that a ban has been looked at, although previously it was considered inappropriate.

Councillor Lorraine Haslegrave asked for dog bins to be placed on the beach as an alternative to the ban.

However, it was pointed out that the people who are responsible for emptying the bins would limit the locations where they can be placed, and that monitoring and enforcing the ban might not be possible.

Annabel Leggett, who walks her dog Frank on the beach, said: “I would be devastated if it happened.

“Last Sunday I saw no one but dog walkers on the beach.

“It’s unfair to discriminate responsible dog owners and their dogs from enjoying the coastline we have enjoyed for many years.”

Mr Webb said: “It’s not the dogs’ fault, it’s the irresponsible owners who don’t look after their dogs.”