Rother District Council and local sea anglers have struck a deal to agree future rules around fishing from Bexhill seafront.
Anglers who disagreed with a draft byelaw to restrict angling from a section of beach during the summer months presented a 150-page petition to the Town Hall on Friday (May 27), in response to the council’s request for opinions as part of a public consultation.
Lead councillor for culture, sport and tourism Martin Kenward and chief executive Derek Stevens immediately invited the anglers inside for a 30-minute informal discussion.
The result was an agreement by anglers and Rother District Council to work together to develop a code of conduct governing beach fishing throughout the district.
Its purpose would be to ask the hundreds of anglers from outside the district who visit Rother’s 15 miles of beaches every year to behave responsibly, as well as reminding resident sea anglers.
The council also agreed to consider erecting signs asking anglers not to fish if crowds are present on busy summertime beaches.
Councillor Kenward indicated there had been a large number of responses to the draft byelaws and the Council would, as a result, contemplate making some changes.
“This is precisely why we look to consult on such matters.” he said. Anglers have made their thoughts very clear and, although they accept we need controls, we can work together to find the best solution.
“The draft byelaws have brought the legitimate concerns of both parties to the surface. Now, by working together, we can overcome any differences to find the best way forward to benefit all beach users.”
Neil Smith, the Bexhill-on-sea angler who has spearheaded the protest campaign with the Sussex Sea Angling Network (SSAN) and the national Angling Trust, was encouraged by the meeting. “We all considered it was perhaps a turning point in this dispute and we are now hopeful for an outcome that will meet both the council’s concerns and our own.”
