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Tuesday, 11 October 2011 19:54

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Sea Anglers Victorious

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Anglers will now adhere to a code of conduct when fishing at Bexhill.

Council performs major U-turn on angling ban along Sussex sea front.

Sea anglers are celebrating a victory this week, as plans for a fishing ban along a popular sea front are dropped.

Rother District Council had proposed a summer-time ban on angling along a section of Bexhill sea front in Sussex due to the sport being deemed an annoyance.

However, following a large-scale campaign by local anglers, along with a consultation with members of the sport to bring the situation to a conclusion, not only has the council dropped the proposal, but is now actively looking to boost angling along its 15 miles of coastline.

As part of the U-turn Anglers have now agreed to abide by a code of conduct, advising them 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.

“This exemplary outcome was achieved because 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 all acting together,” said local shore angler Neil Smith, who led the talks with the council.

Speaking about the decision, which was also brought about after Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority pointed out that sea angling is an important economic activity in coastal communities, Councilor Martin Kenward, Rother council's lead member for culture, sport and tourism said:

“Anglers made their voices heard loud and clear and we have done the right thing and listened to them. 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.

“We look forward to more anglers visiting Rother," added the Councilor. "They are especially welcome as all-year-round visitors and contributors to our seaside economy.”

Pro-Angling Sussex MEP and leader of the UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, assisted local anglers and held a public meeting on the proposed ban. He spoke to Total Sea Fishing about what he describes as a ‘victory for common sense.’

“The proposals would have banned summertime angling and bait collecting and would have had a devastating effect on the local economy,” said Mr Farage.

"I must offer my congratulations to the anglers and their associations for getting together on this issue and presenting a clear argument for casting aside the proposals.”

Last modified on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 08:42

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