Public space protection orders (PSPOs)
There are two PSPOs in force in Lyme Regis, one relating to dogs and the other to anti-social behaviour, which includes the feeding of seagulls.
Dog controls
Dog controls are in place in Lyme Regis for the safety and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.
The new Dorset Council (DC) Dog-Related Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced on 1 January 2021 and is in force for three years. The order covers Lyme Regis and details when and where dogs should be kept on leads, where dogs are excluded from and at what times, the removal and disposal of dog faeces, and the penalties for those who do not comply with the order.
Please be aware of changes to the rules that were previously in place, specifically in relation to Front Beach during the winter, defined as 1 October to 30 April. During this period, dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than two metres while on Front Beach. Dogs are not allowed on Front Beach in the summer, defined as 1 May to 30 September.
Dogs are also excluded from the following areas all-year-round:
- Anning Road playing field and play park
- Henry's Way play park
- Charmouth Road skatepark
Dogs must also be kept on a lead of no more than two metres all-year-round in the following areas:
- Cart Road
- Marine Parade
- Bell Cliff
- The harbour
- Slipway and seawalls
- Entrance to Cobb Road
- Ozone Terrace
- Entrance to the public car park and boat park
- Harbour wall
- Cobb Gate car park and esplanade extending from it eastwards up to its junction with Long Entry
- Gun Cliff Walk
- Sea wall above Church Beach
- Steps up to Charmouth Road
- Lyme Regis Cemetery
- Charmouth Road allotments
- Langmoor and Lister Gardens
- Churchyards
- All council-owned car parks
View the Dog-Related PSPO
Green Dog Walkers
Lyme Regis prides itself on being a clean and litter-free environment and we'd like to keep it that way. We're asking dog owners to agree to the Green Dog Walkers pledge, a national community-led programme to help reduce dog fouling and encourage responsible dog ownership.
A Green Dog Walker agrees to the following pledge:
- always clean up after their dog;
- dispose of the bag responsibly;
- carry extra dog waste bags;
- gladly give a bag to those without one; and
- be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs.
As well as ensuring that they clean up after their dogs, they:
- ensure their dog is microchipped;
- keep their dog under control at all times; and,
- stay safe around farm animals and ground nesting birds.
Seagull controls
Seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to intentionally injure or kill any gull, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.
The former West Dorset District Council introduced an Anti-social Behaviour Related Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which covers Lyme Regis and makes it a civil offence to intentionally feed seagulls. Fixed penalty notices can be issued and carry a £100 penalty if paid within 28 days, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.
View the Anti-social Behaviour Related PSPO
Information for property owners
There are certain measures property owners can take in relation to the birds nesting.
Our information leaflet includes details of the law relating to wild birds, and ways to deter seagulls from nesting on property.
Herring gulls especially like nesting on flat rooftops, chimneys and gullies in sloping roofs. Eggs are laid from May (usually two or three in each nest). Gulls see humans as a threat and will dive towards humans who go near their young.
Please see our frequently asked questions.