Beach user John Jackson has highlighted the effect of the restriction on disabled people with dogs. He also believes dog-owners will start to shun the resort when they become aware of the extended ban, which started this month.

Mr Jackson said he regularly took his wheelchair-user mum and pet dog onto the sands at Hunstanton but now fears their enjoyment of the beach will be spoiled.

He pointed out that all the resort's car parks and toilets are a considerable distance from the areas of beach where dogs will be permitted – north of the promenade or south of the boat launch ramp.

Mr Jackson (53), of Victoria Road, Wisbech, said: "Outside the banned area, there is nowhere near parking or toilet facilities.

"When you are talking about the middle of winter, it's a little bit over the top, and in the summer, when we go every weekend, I'm afraid it doesn't look as if it's going to be possible."

Until now, Mr Jackson has found it convenient to park behind the funfair and use a ramp near the Sea Life Centre to wheel his 91-year-old mum onto the beach. "I don't know what we will do now. I'm trying to work out the alternatives," he said.

He predicted businesses on or near the promenade inside the dog- ban area would suffer financially as a result of the curb.

"They are going to lose a lot of trade," he said.

Some local councillors and residents also opposed the pet ban, but West Norfolk Council argued that health and safety were paramount and ample space remained for dogs.