THE dog-free zone on Bournemouth’s beaches looks set to be extended next year.

A review of the seafront dog byelaws has led to a recommendation that the seasonal dog ban area is extended at Alum Chine and Southbourne.

It would mean that from May 1 and September 30, dogs would be banned from three areas – between groynes three and five at Alum Chine, between the mouth of Durley Chine and groyne 32 at Fisherman’s Walk and between groynes 41 and 45 at Southbourne.

The idea is seen as a compromise between the different wishes of dog owners and other beach users.

Originally, the council mooted the idea of an all-year-round ban on some sections of beach but this proved hugely controversial and generated a huge response.

Of the people that responded, 76 per cent of dog owners wanted no increase in restrictions while 73 per cent of non-dog owners wanted further restrictions.

The compromise of extending the seasonal ban also polarised opinion, with 54 per cent against and 40 per cent in favour. Seventy per cent of those who identified themselves as non-dog owners were in favour of the proposals while 81 per cent of the dog owners were against them.

As well as extending the summer time ban, officers are also planning to increase the level of enforcement and hand out more fines to offenders.

The proposals will go before cabinet members on Wednesday, May 27. If approved, the new arrangements will be introduced for the 2010 summer season.