With its wide-open beaches, rolling dunes and pretty lanes, it is not hard to see why Winterton is a magnet for dog walkers.

But for some locals, that attraction is becoming a drawback.

They claim the village is becoming overrun with dogs and are urging owners to go elsewhere to walk their pets.

Eastern Daily Press: Teddy the dog on Winterton beach. Picture - James WeedsTeddy the dog on Winterton beach. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

They say dog mess is becoming an increasing problem and that some of the animals being exercised in the area are out of control and pose a nuisance.

They are calling for their local parish and district council to do more to limit the numbers and to encourage people to take more responsibility for their animals.

Eastern Daily Press: Winterton beach is considered one of the best beaches in Norfolk for dog-walking. Picture - James WeedsWinterton beach is considered one of the best beaches in Norfolk for dog-walking. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Among those calling for a clampdown is David Hambrook, 77.

"It's about respect," he said. "It's fair enough people wanting to come here on the weekend to get away. But they have to respect the area so residents can welcome them back.

Eastern Daily Press: David Hambrook. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)David Hambrook. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds) (Image: James Weeds)

"I would like people to come to the village and respect the place and clear up the dog mess. Some people do, but there are enough people who don't. You can see it everywhere."

The village is widely-advertised on many websites as being 'dog friendly', much to the annoyance of some locals, including Mr Hambrook.

"I can assure you the people who live in this village are absolutely sick to death of other people bringing their dogs here," he said.

Eastern Daily Press: Winterton beach Picture: James WeedsWinterton beach Picture: James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"They are using it as a toilet and not clearing it up - throwing it in trees, throwing it in bushes. It's an absolute utter disgrace."

Mr Hambrook said problems had worsened since the pandemic, when the village saw a huge increase in dog walkers.

Eastern Daily Press: Lucy the dog on Winterton beach. Picture - James WeedsLucy the dog on Winterton beach. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

During the first lockdown, the village even had to close its beach car park because of the large numbers of out-of-town visitors, many with their dogs.

The village is close to Horsey, which is home to large seal colonies - and where dogs are more tightly controlled - and the animals can often be found on Winterton's beaches, creating another source of frustration for some.

David Vyse, who recently stepped down as vice-chair of Friend of Horsey Seals, said: "As soon as dog walkers see a seal, they should put their dog on a lead.

"But a lot of people don't take heed. We've had lots of problems in the past.

"You've got to respect people if they want to take their dog for a walk, but they should be more respectful. It will be an ongoing problem. It won't be going away."

READ MORE: People urged to clean dog mess

James Bensly, district councillor for the Winterton area, acknowledged there was an issue with irresponsible owners, but said he thought Winterton should remain welcoming for dog walkers.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor James Bensly. Picture - NewsquestCouncillor James Bensly. Picture - Newsquest (Image: James Bensly)

"We take into consideration and understand people's heightened tensions regarding dogs and dangerous breeds. 

"But Winterton is, and has been, a very safe place for dog owners and walkers enjoying our beautiful coastline.

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"Winterton is a place for dog walkers and the car park and surrounding businesses appreciate, respect and welcome everyone. But respect the area, stay safe and pick up after your dog."

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Earlier this month, Great Yarmouth Borough Council - which covers the area - announced a crackdown on irresponsible pet owners, telling them to pick up their animals' mess and that officials would seek to impose maximum fines of £1,000 for those who did not.

Mr Bensly added that the council has a 100pc prosecution rate with dog fouling offences.

Eastern Daily Press: Winterton beach public toilets have four bins outside for responsible dog owners to use. Picture - James WeedsWinterton beach public toilets have four bins outside for responsible dog owners to use. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Kevin Clarke, who lives in Winterton, said dog mess had become a problem in the village.

"There's a lot of inconsiderate parking and fouling.

"Everyone has the right to exercise their dogs here if they want," he said.

"It's a beautiful environment and we like to share it.

"But there has to be more respect for where and when. 

"And they have to clean up after their dogs."

Other locals are more sympathetic, however.

READ MORE: Hound ground opens in Winterton

Gerry and Geoff Roper take their pets to Winterton beach regularly.

Eastern Daily Press: Gerry and Geoff Roper with Geoff Watson at Winterton beach. Picture - James WeedsGerry and Geoff Roper with Geoff Watson at Winterton beach. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"I don't think dogs are an issue," said Mr Roper.

"It's a big open space and most people clear up their mess.

"It would spoil trade for the cafe if dog walkers were banned - like in summer at Yarmouth and Gorleston.

"If you lose dogs, you'll lose visitors."

Ann Jones visits Winterton beach often to clear up plastic. She said dogs can be an issue.

Eastern Daily Press: Ann Jones has been collecting plastic on Winterton beach for seven years. Picture - James WeedsAnn Jones has been collecting plastic on Winterton beach for seven years. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"We see a lot of bags with mess in them," she said.

"We've found just the one bag today, but there's often more.

"There are a lot of dogs here and one jumped up at me and spilt my coffee a few years ago.

"The owner didn't do anything about it."

Eastern Daily Press: Diane Abid, Charlene Green on the beach with pooches Rio, Lottie and Margo. Picture - James WeeDiane Abid, Charlene Green on the beach with pooches Rio, Lottie and Margo. Picture - James Wee (Image: James Weeds)

Hemsby resident Diane Abid said people often leave more mess behind than dogs.

"I think the complaint is ridiculous," she said.

"It's a big enough beach and other than dogs off leads scaring seals, I don't see any issue."

Former dog owners Alison and Gary Carruthers said residents can be just as irresponsible as visitors.

"We see locals take their dogs out at night and don't clear up, so you can't just blame visitors," said Mr Carruthers.

"It's a great beach for dogs, just as long as people show respect for the area."

Holidaymakers Paula and David Brine said they return to the village every year, all for the sake of their canine companions.

"We've never known a better beach for dogs," said Mr Brine.

"I can count on two fingers how many times I've seen dog mess here.

"It's not a problem at all."

Eastern Daily Press: Winterton residents and former dog owners Alison and Gary Carruthers. Picture - James WeedsWinterton residents and former dog owners Alison and Gary Carruthers. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

 

Eastern Daily Press: Returning visitors Paula and David Brine. Picture - James WeedsReturning visitors Paula and David Brine. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)