Outnumbered by mob rule on the seafront
AS a resident of Whitley Bay and North Shields of all my 44 years, I have seen the changes and developments which affect the good folk of North Tyneside.
Some changes necessary, some forced upon us and others which come about with the passing of time. The debate will continue about the plight of Whitley Bay seafront for years to come.
However, the one thing which is constant is the natural beauty of the Links and the beach. To appreciate the free facilities on offer I ventured down to the seafront early on Sunday morning to take advantage of the glorious weather.
I have spent copious amounts of my leisure time in and around the seafront. The vast majority of my childhood memories can be attributed to this area. A simple barefoot stroll in the surf is a most pleasurable experience for any able person whatever their age.
Not surprisingly I was not the only person enjoying the fresh air and the stunning beauty. The tide was fairly well advanced so the beach area was at a premium. I would guess approximately 20 metres in most parts.
The patrons of the beach were of a wide range, from young to old, from families to couples and of course dogs with their owners.
Not one dog that I witnessed was being controlled by a leash. The majority of these dogs were being exercised by fetching balls, sticks and rocks. The balls were being propelled through the air by what can only be described as a catapult-like sling shot. The sticks were a little less predictable as they were tossed in all directions of the compass, the rocks being thrown in various guises of trajectory.
I am not easily intimidated but to have objects whistling passed my head was not what I expected from supposedly conscientious fellow beach users.
I then realised that my ordeal would soon cease, as I reached the area of the beach where dogs were not permitted. Alas no. I understand of course that dogs are illiterate but surely their owners can easily identify the exclusion zone where they are unwelcome.
As I retreated to the safety of the promenade, or so I thought, my walk became even more dog infested. Owners happily taking a well deserved sit on a bench or promenade wall whilst letting man's best friend lay their scents down to show others exactly who was bossing the area.
For me the jewel in the seafront crown has always been the Rendezvous cafe, an iconic place which is as much part of our make-up as the lighthouse and the dome.
A cafe, or a K9 bottle neck! At this point I was outnumbered, outflanked and glad to be on my way. I appreciate dogs and their owners can enjoy the same walks and scenery as me, but a little more control would not go a miss.
Will the same illiterate dog owners who cannot read and digest simple pointers (no pun intended), be as ignorant once they have read and digested my letter.
I trust if this letter gets printed that next week's edition of the letters page will include many responsible dog owners venting their anger at my views.
The overwhelming experience I encountered on Sunday morning was one of mob rule.
Over to you RUSTY.
A J BURROWS.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
