Plans to standardise dog ban times on Thanet beaches are to go out to public consultation.

Current by-laws restrict dogs on nine beaches, but the council says with different operating times, the law has been difficult for local people to follow.

Council cabinet members now suggest that dog control orders should be introduced on all these beaches and Louisa Bay in Broadstairs, effectively banning the animals from May 15 to September 15 between 10am-6pm.

The beaches are the main area of Minnis Bay,Viking Bay and Stone Bay in Broadstairs, Margate main sands, Westbrook Bay, West Bay and St Mildred’s Bay in Westgate, Ramsgate main sands and Walpole Bay.

Eleven bays in Thanet will continue to have no restrictions. These are Greenham Bay and Epple Bay in Birchington, Dumpton Gap and Kingsgate Bay in Broadstairs, Foreness Point, Palm Bay and Sacketts Gap in Cliftonville, Fulsam Rock in Margate and the Eastcliff and Western Undercliff in Ramsgate.

Cllr Shirley Tomlinson, cabinet member for commercial and environmental services, said: “With the recent national publicity we’ve had for our excellent achievements in securing Blue Flag awards, we want to ensure that we retain those awards and look at ways we can achieve even more.

“This is all about aiming to strike a balance during the summer months between families and others who wish to enjoy the beach without dogs being present and dog owners who want to walk their dogs responsibly.”

The consultation will take place over the next two months.