DOG owners are being urged to respect summer restrictions on Tendring’s most popular beaches.

Tendring Council said seasonal restrictions designed to ensure that popular resort beaches are dog free throughout the main visitor season.

The restrictions, which affect 11 designated stretches of sands, began on May 1 and continue through to the end of September.

Nick Turner, cabinet member for the environment and coast protection, there are still plenty of other beaches along the district’s 36 miles of coastline available for owners to exercise their dogs - provided they clean up after them.

The annual restrictions apply only to certain resort beaches in Clacton, Brightlingsea, Holland-on-Sea, Harwich, Dovercourt, Frinton and Walton and apply 24 hours a day.