RULES banning dogs from many Dorset beaches for the summer will be reintroduced from Friday May 22.

Both Dorset and BCP Councils temporarily relaxed the rules at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown.

Dorset Council plans to reinstate regulations from Friday and a spokesman for BCP Council said it will review its measures on the same day.

The rules, which usually ban dogs from many beaches between May 1 and September 30, were relaxed early in the lockdown when members of the public were forbidden from sitting on the beach or driving to the beach for exercise.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has since said people can use the beaches.

A spokesman for Dorset Council told the Daily Echo: “Following the Government’s recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines to lift some of the restrictions Dorset Council will again be enforcing the restrictions for dogs that had previously been relaxed.

“These restrictions are contained within public spaces protection orders (PSPO) and look to protect public health.

“Dog owners can exercise their dogs in the designated areas taking account of the social distancing requirements.”

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said: “The restrictions have been put in place so that local families can enjoy the beach safely at two metres distance from people who are not part of their household.

“Although beaches are open, we are still suggesting caution as far a swimming is concerned. The RNLI has said that lifeguards will not be on beaches and so is advising people not to swim.”

Cllr Alford said more information about staying safe at the seaside can be found at rnli.org and also reminded people of restrictions for cycling along promenades.

“With the expected increase in numbers using seaside towns, cyclists will need to obey local rules” said the council spokesman.

Long stretches of popular beaches along the coast are now out of bounds to dogs until the end of September but there are also a number of dog-friendly beaches.

In Bournemouth dogs are usually allowed on beaches between Branksome Dene and Alum Chine, Middle Chine to Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk to Southbourne and Hengistbury head all year round.

Avon Beach and Friars Cliff beaches are usually out of bounds during the summer but dogs can still be exercised on most of Highcliffe beach, Mudeford Sandbank ad Gundimore beach.

Details about individual beaches are available from council websites.