AS I sit on a cold wet Saturday, reading the article about the summer dog ban across the Vale in the Barry & District News, I find it hard to imagine that many families will be sitting on the Vale’s beaches today.

The same could be said for last weekend; which was a typical wash-out Bank Holiday.

However, come rain or shine, dog walkers can be found frequenting Barry Island and the Vale’s other key dog walking areas, spending money in the shops and cafes.

Having spent last weekend in LLangranog, West Wales, with our canine family member, Ubel, it is plain to see the contrast between a forwards and a rearwards looking council when it comes to closed beach policies. The small but picturesque beach is segregated between dog-friendly and no-dog sections. Both the pubs and the ice-cream cafe are dog-friendly.

Given the weather forecast for the Bank Holiday, these issues featured prominently in our choice of holiday location.

Might I also remind readers that about 12 years ago the Vale Council attempted the draconian measure of banning dogs from Whitmore Bay all year round. This measure was stopped in its tracks due to a petition and demonstration by dog walkers, organised by myself and my partner.

If the Vale is serious about attracting more canine tourism, as was suggested several weeks ago in the news, then the outdated policy should be revisited.

My preferred option would be segregated areas, as quite simply I wouldn’t take my dog on Whitmore Bay after a busy day due to all the people-waste and dirty nappies left by visitors to the beach during the day.

I don`t want my dog catching anything from that!

Ade Pitman

Barry

Via email.