Torquay mackerel fishers handed fines of £100

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MackerelImage source, Nick Fewings
Image caption,

Residents had complained about anti-social behaviour at the fishing spot.

Ten fixed penalty notices were handed out to mackerel fishers in Torquay this summer.

The £100 charges came in the wake of a Public Space Protection order by Torbay Council introduced at Hope's Nose.

It was brought in after local anglers said they had been threatened by gangs who were said to be catching large quantities of mackerel to sell commercially.

Locals had also complained about anti-social behaviour at the beauty spot.

Four fines were handed out at Hope's Nose for lighting fires, three for erecting tents, two for camping, and one for catching too many fish.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said no such notices were issued over the same period at Berry Head in Brixham, which was also subject to a protection order.

Councillor Hayley Tranter said there were "not any offences witnessed" when officers were present at the Brixham location.

She added: "Much of the enforcement was done by deterrent, engaging people before potential offences are committed and making the presence of enforcement personnel known."

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