I WOULD like to object strongly to the small size of the area proposed to be dog-free at West Kirby.

Apart from the locals we have many visitors who enjoy the beach and who would be glad of an area free of dog urine as well as free from faeces so that children and adults could sit and play in a comparatively clean space.

I suggest that a larger area would be better.

The area proposed is adjacent to a site of special scientific interest where a great many birds congregate around the Hilbre Islands.

The zones proposed do nothing to protect the birds from loose dogs who harass the birds and cause them to rise when they should be resting or feeding.

Please make the whole area from West Kirby to Hoylake along the shore in front of the golf course free from dogs for a large part of the year.

This would also keep the dogs away from the SSSI site.

Also make the dog-free area larger for the benefit of locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy the recreation on the sands.

Jan Bowen, West Kirby