Bexhill sea anglers hand in petition over 'beach ban'

Sea angling along Bexhill beach could be banned

Sea anglers are set to hand in a petition to Rother District Council over draft proposals to ban daytime fishing along a stretch of beach.

The 2,000-signature petition is in protest over possible plans to ban fishing on part of Bexhill beach.

Anglers claim any ban could lead to other stretches of Sussex beach being made off limits.

The council said it is still consulting on the plans and no decision has yet been made.

The proposed summertime change to bylaws along the popular 546-yard (500m) stretch of beach in front of the De La Warr Pavilion, would also see horse riding and kite flying banned.

Alan Brothers, from the Sussex Sea Angling Network, said there was no reason for the ban.

'Comments welcomed'

"There have been no complaints from Rother District Council and we see this as the thin end of the wedge," he said.

"If they can ban places today, they can extend it tomorrow."

The anglers claim the council has given no indication as to why the ban has been proposed.

Councillor Martin Kenward said the authority was "very happy" to accept the petition.

"The very purpose of the consultation exercise was to encourage the public and organisations that use the beach and promenade to tell us what they think of the draft proposals," he said.

"Anglers have certainly done that and we welcome their comments and will consider them very carefully before making a final recommendation.

"It is worth reminding people that no decisions have been made yet."