More than 80 dog walkers took a stand at Tankerton beach in defiance of the plans to exclude dogs from Long Rock to The Street.

Protester Kathryn Derby, who walks her dog Holly every day along the stretch, says it is not just locals who are annoyed.

“So many people are against the council’s idea,” she said.

“Dog walkers from Dartford or Hythe, who come to the area, say they are upset by the news.

“With the protest, we couldn’t have hoped for better – we were really pleased and surprised with the turnout and it goes to show how everyone is feeling. We are hopeful the council will see sense and not enforce the ban.”

The current ban runs from The Street to the steps in front of The Royal pub in Tankerton.

If passed, the extension will exclude dogs down to Long Rock between May 1 and September 30, with owners being forced to keep them on leads on the promenade during that same period.

Mrs Derby fears that local trade will also suffer if the ban comes into force.

The Wynn Road resident said: “It is going to spoil our summer. We won’t be able to go to the beach as we cannot leave our dogs in the house for hours unattended.

“We won’t be going to dog- friendly businesses either so it will also hurt them.”

Following a previous consultation which failed to give people enough time to respond, city council bosses have kick-started a new one, to run from Monday, June 5 until Friday, July 14.

Tankerton ward councillor Neil Baker believes it will enable everyone’s concerns to be heard.

“There are clearly many people with different views regarding dogs on beaches, as has been seen most recently,” he said.

“I have had a lot of feedback from residents and I am confident everybody’s views will be taken on board before a decision is made either way.

“Following discussions with council officers over an extended period, I am glad that a full public consultation will begin next week.”

Last week, Tankerton beach was awarded a Blue Flag for its excellent water quality and a seaside prize for its diversity.

Cllr Baker added: “One of the most attractive aspects of the seafront at Tankerton is the mixture of uses, on the sea, on the beach and along the coast.

“Trying to second guess what different people want is just about impossible, so giving everyone who wants to have a say the chance to have a say has to be the best way of finding an outcome to allow this joint enjoyment of the area to continue.

“I would just stress the importance of taking part. This consultation exercise will make a real difference, nothing has been decided at this stage and, as chairman of the city council’s community committee, I am aware colleagues are hopeful of getting detailed opinions from residents so we can try and avoid unwanted accusations of issuing rules and regulations by diktat, as opposed to shaping them based on what people actually do want.”

A face-to-face consultation with dog walkers and beach users will be held on either Saturday, June 24 or Saturday, July 1.