Council chiefs have performed a U-turn regarding its restrictions on dogs on beaches - but there's a catch.

People will be allowed to exercise their dogs on beaches after all this spring - but due to new government rules their pets will have to be on a lead.

Dorset Council said last week the rules banning dogs from parts of the county's beaches for the spring and summer months would come into force as normal this week despite the lockdown. It said restrictions could only be changed following a legal process including a public consultation.

But it has now said it will not enforce the rules - drawn up under the public spaces protection orders (PSPO) - unless there is a risk to public health. The PSPOs remain in force.

However, new government coronavirus guidelines state that if walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep 2 metres away from others (social distancing).

So this will apply to people exercising their dogs on beaches.

Dorset Council says that people walking their dogs on beaches can do so as part of their daily exercise, but as long as it is local to them - people should not travel to a place and then exercise.

The Echo reported yesterday how a petition had started by people in Weymouth against the council's decision to enforce the restrictions.

They argued they need a larger space to maintain a safe distance from others whilst giving their dogs their required exercise.

In a statement, Dorset Council said: "Walking on beaches should be part of your daily exercise from your front door. You should not travel to a place to exercise.

"We have decided to be fair and safe for all people using the beach for their walk, so during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic we will not seek to enforce the PSPOs unless there is a specific risk to public health. This is expected to be unlikely so long as dogs remain on a lead under the control of their owners."

A council spokesman said the authority had changed its mind about not enforcing the PSPOs "to keep in step with government guidance".

The decision was not in response to the petition from dog owners.