Rother District Council wants angling to help boost tourism along its 15 miles of coastline.
Draft proposals for a summertime ban on angling and bait gathering on part of Bexhill sea front and to stop beach fishing anywhere if it was deemed to be causing annoyance, have been dropped following consultation with anglers.
Instead the council’s cabinet today (Monday) agreed a voluntary code of conduct should be created to ensure everyone enjoys the beaches, which include some of the best fishing spots in Sussex.
Both the council and anglers believe their agreement could be studied by other seaside resorts to bring more sea angling to their areas.
In May, anglers criticised draft byelaw changes as “draconian”. A petition from more than 2,000 living in Rother and elsewhere who visit the area’s beaches all year round, led anglers and the council to get together.
The anglers’ case was supported by the Sussex IFCA which wrote to Rother district council pointing out that sea angling, including that from the shore was increasingly regarded and recognised as an important social and economic activity in coastal communities.
More support came from Fish Legal, the Angling Trust’ legal arm, which told the council that it considered the proposed byelaw changes were “manifestly unreasonable” and “irrational” and believed they would be unlawful if they were implemented.
“Anglers made their voices heard loud and clear and we have done the right thing and listened to them,” said Cllr Martin Kenward, Rother council’s lead member for culture, sport and tourism. “In that respect the consultation has helped us to make our decision.”
He added: “We had two very good meetings and listened to each other. We were willing to change the proposals and together we will now make even better use of our fantastic seaside resources for everyone’s benefit.”
Neil Smith, a Bexhill resident and shore angler, who led the talks with the council said: ”This exemplary outcome was achieved because we all acted together – anglers, angling clubs and businesses in Rother, regional and national bodies and the thousands who made their feelings known to us and the council through the petition.”
Councillor Kenward said it was a very positive development. “We look forward to more anglers visiting Rother. They are especially welcome as all-year-round visitors and contributors to our seaside economy.”
The code will advise anglers not to fish from crowded beaches, to keep well away from swimmers, to watch for bystanders before casting and to keep hooks out of reach of children and dogs. It will also remind them to keep only the fish they will eat putting others back.
Anglers and the Council are currently in discussions about holding new fishing-related events in the district.
