GAZETTE readers have overwhelmingly backed proposals to ban messy mutts from Clacton and Holland-on-Sea’s new beaches.

Tendring Council has been flooded with complaints about dog mess after Holland Haven’s impressive new beaches reopened in February following the completion of phase one of the resort’s multi-million-pound sea defences.

Town Hall bosses said dogs could be barred from beaches all year round, if rogue owners failed to clean up after their pets.

Dog owners hit back, claiming there are not enough dog bins on the seafront.

A Gazette referendum found 71 per cent of readers who responded were in favour of a year-round ban, while 29 per cent were against.

Council environment boss Nick Turner said: “I would like to thank the Gazette and its readers for taking part in this and for giving us information to think about when we make our final decision.

“We want to come up with a reasonable way of administering our new beaches, but we don’t wish to be too prescriptive.

“We want our seafront to evolve, but it is not just for dogs, horses and fishermen.” One idea Mr Turner previously put forward was for official “doggy beaches” and pooch-free zones on the 5km stretch between Holland Haven and Clacton Pier.

Mr Turner said a decision would not be made until after the council elections in May, but it was hoped newplans can be brought in before the summer holidays.