A DOG walker says dog mess is not to blame for Burnham’s beach water quality being put in jeopardy.

Sue Thorne, of Ashley Avenue, Burnham, said: “It would seem to me the pollution in Burnham is due to the fact we are on an estuary and not due to dogs on the beach.”

Burnham beach has received a mediocre rating for its water quality in the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Beach Guide 2014 and town Mayor Martin Cox and the MCS warned dog mess can contribute to beach water quality being rated low.

But Ms Thorne said: “The beach quality in Berrow and Brean is very good and poses no health threats whatsoever and dogs are allowed on the beach at Berrow and Brean all year round.”

She added dog owners would be more encouraged to visit Burnham if dogs were allowed on the beach between the slipway and Yacht Club all year around.

The MCS guide standards are based on the EU Bathing Water Directive, which introduces a strict new standard in 2015, under which Burnham beach would currently be rated ‘poor’ – with signs put up advising people not to go in the sea.