AN Aberystwyth hotelier has claimed the council’s failure to enforce dog bylaws is putting the Blue Flag status of Ceredigion’s beaches at risk.

John Evans, owner of Yr Hafod Guest House on South Marine Terrace, has written to Ceredigion County Council’s head of lifestyle services, Huw Williams, to point out that one of the criteria for the prestigious seaside award is that dog bylaws must be “strictly enforced”.

The warning comes after it was reported in the Cambrian News in December that Cllr Aled Davies had been reported to the council’s chief executive, Bronwen Morgan, for walking a dog on an area of Aberystwyth South Beach, where they are banned during the summer months.

Cllr Davies, whose Rheidol Ward covers the beach, denied any wrongdoing and said the dog belonged to a friend.

Mr Evans’ letter to Mr Williams reads: “The actions of Cllr Davies not only encourages irresponsible dog owners to ignore these bylaws but it also has wider implications on the status of our South Beach which used to qualify for the coveted Blue Flag award.

“To qualify for this prestigious global award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained.

“Criteria 18 states that ‘Bylaws relating to dogs must be strictly enforced’.

“Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, these bylaws have never been enforced in Ceredigion. This devalues the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards and it also deceives our visitors. This is not fair."

A Ceredigion council spokesperson said: “The Blue Flag criteria is wide ranging; from water quality to safety and services.

“The council endeavours to maintain such standards throughout the county within the context of significant financial pressures.”

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