A ban preventing dogs from being on beaches in an East Sussex coastal town has been lifted by the local council.

Under previous rules, dogs were not allowed on two beaches in Hastings – Stade Beach and Rock-a-Nore Beach – between April 1 and September 30 each year.

Councilor Julia Hilton, leader of Hastings Borough Council (HBC), said: “It was quite simple and it made sense to raise it.”

The ban was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, but was lifted following the November 4 council meeting.

Mrs Hilton told BBC Radio Sussex: “We struck the right balance as there are two dog-free beaches in the town, from the western arm of the harbor to the jetty.

“There is now an area where everyone can share on the two beaches that have now been raised.

“It feels like a good compromise.”

Ms Hilton said the council would make sure signs outlining the rules for each beach were clear and QR codes would also be used so people could scan them for information.

She added: “We will step up enforcement next summer.

“We also expect dog owners to be responsible for their dogs, including cleaning up after them.”

The council said this was the biggest response they had had to a consultation.