CONTROVERSIAL proposals to ban dogs from Canvey’s beaches have been abandoned - as residents voted almost unanimously in favour of dogs running free.

The hotly anticipated results of a major public consultation to ban dogs from the beaches on Canvey from Concord Beach to Thorney Bay have finally been released by Castle Point Council.

They reveal that just 11 per cent of the public voted in favour of banning dogs from beaches throughout the year and only 12 per cent were in favour of banning dogs from the beach during summer months.

Currently, dogs have access to the beach all year round.

Worries over dog mess being left across the island and on the beach formed a large part of the concerns, but 72 per cent said there was not currently a significant problem with dogs mess on the beach.

A total of 39 per cent of the 731 residents surveyed called for no additional restrictions on the beach, with the same amount calling for no action on the seaward side of the walkway, and 42 per cent in relation to the landward side of the walkway.

The results of the public consultation will be presented to Castle Point Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, and council officer’s have recommended that councillors vote to take “no further action”.

The final decision over what action is, or isn’t, taken will now be with councillors.

The consultation sparked fury among dog lovers and has seen strong debate between pet owners and people who wish for a dog free beach.

Marion Brocklebank, 63, who lives by the seafront with her chihuahua and shitzu, welcomed the news.

She said: “It is unusual for the council to back down, but it sounds like the survey results are pretty clear.

“It is great news really.

“My two dogs love it down on the seafront, and provided people clean up after their dogs there is no issue.

“Although I would say if this is the case, the council should consider installing new dog bins at the beach so people that do clean up after their dogs have somewhere to put it.

“I do understand why some people have complained but I think if we get some more dog bins then it would reduce a lot of the problems.

“It would have been a real shame to lose the beach for dog walks. There are not many beaches you can take dogs on, and there are not that many places to walk dogs on the island because it is quite small, so this is very good news.”

In total 731 responses were received which included 486 from dog owners, 230 from non dog owners and 15 from respondents who did not state whether they owned a dog or not.

The idea was first mooted in March before the consultation was launched and ran from July 20 until September 7.

Wednesday’s meeting will take place at the council offices from 7pm.