LOOE Town Council is to consider a ban on dogs at Hannafore Beach following concerns from residents over dog fouling.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round but the area has been one of several in the town targeted by campaigners against dog mess.

'It's a difficult balance – it comes down to a few who spoil it for the rest,' said deputy mayor Martin Gregory, who stressed that while dogs were allowed at Hannafore, it was still an offence to let dogs foul on the beach and elsewhere.

'We are going to consult with Looe residents on what their feelings are,' said cllr Gregory.

Options could include a full ban on dogs, a seasonal ban, or leaving things as they are, he said, adding that the council would also look into the possibility of bringing in a dogs on leads order.

Cllr Gregory said that recommendations had been made by the Environment Agency on actions to be taken to improve bathing water quality – and that these included banning dogs from beaches in order to prevent contamination by dog mess.