WESTON-SUPER-MARE residents were confused to find a sign which stopped them from walking their dogs on a local beach.

The sign, positioned at Sand Bay beach, said dog walkers on the beach would be fined £75 from Wednesday, May 1, until Monday, September 30.

After hundreds of angry comments from baffled locals in a social media group, Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, confirmed the sign was a 'mistake'.

In a statement, Cllr Bell wrote: "Dogs are allowed all year round on Sand Bay beach!

"A few people have contacted me to say a sign had gone up at Sand Bay car park saying dogs aren’t allowed.

"This is a mistake and an error on the sign which will be corrected.

"Dogs are allowed all year round, so our furry friends can continue to enjoy Sand Bay beach.

"As you were everyone."

A spokesperson for North Somerset Council added: “Dogs are allowed on Sand Bay beach all year round.

"We apologise for any confusion the sign at Sand Bay beach car park caused, and the information has now been corrected.”