Town Hall bosses wanted to extend the current ban – which runs from 1 May to 30 September – on certain parts of beaches in the borough.

But following strong public opposition, a council report recommended that the proposal should be abandoned.

However, during a full council meeting on Monday Eastfield ward councillor and deputy mayor Brian O’Flynn suggested an amendment to the legislation.

He said that for safety reasons dogs should be kept on a lead while on the beach during March and April.

Coun O’Flynn claimed a lot of people felt threatened and don’t want to take their children on the beach

In response Coun Lucy Haycock of Seamer ward said: “This is a big issue.

“I love dogs and have had them for 35 years but children need protecting. What we need is more enforcement wardens on the beach.”

Newby ward councillor Brian Watson proposed that councillors should make no such amendment and vote to keep the original legislation.

He said: “I had more letters about the proposed dog ban than any other issue. People want to be able to let dogs off their leads and let them run about.”

Coun Geoff Evans, of Eastfield ward, said: “This is not about exercising dogs – this is about safety.”

Following the discussion, councillors voted against the proposed amendment and decided to follow recommendations not to change the current legislation.

Geraldine Barnett of St Hilda’s Gardens, helped organise a petition – signed by nearly 5,000 people – against the proposed changes.

She said: “We are really, really pleased and it is great news for dog owners in Whitby and I'm glad Scarborough Council took notice of everyone who objected. It is really the last place we can walk a dog off its leash, I know everyone did not agree with us but the majority of people supported us.”