Published: July 21, 2010
Pet owners welcome new safety warnings on Brean Down

New warning signs have been introduced on Brean Down by the National Trust following a series of dog deaths on the steep cliffs.

Burnham-On-Sea.com reported earlier this month how pet owners had stepped up their calls for improved warnings following five deaths this year.

Andy Mayled, the National Trust's General Manager for the Somerset Countryside, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "We have put new signs up warning of the dangers, but it is rugged open countryside and, as such, there are risks involved."

"Everybody going onto clifftop paths needs to be aware of the danger and to take appropriate care so they can enjoy their time in the countryside safely."

"The recent incident involving the death of a dog at the cliffs at Brean Down is a tragedy for all involved."

"We would urge all dog owners to take proper care and keep their dogs under close control while on the cliff top paths."

One dog owner, John Sanders, who regularly walks his pet on the Down, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "The prominent new signs are very welcome - I just hope that dog owners head the warnings."

The decision to introduce the extra signs on the steps up the Down come after a series of deaths. We reported in March how Bath couple Lorraine and Jonathan Hawkins recovered the dead body of their greyhound cross whippet at the base of the cliffs near Brean Down Fort. Also, a Springer died in April, while another animal had a lucky escape the same month when it tumbled down the cliffs.