Council in U-turn over anglers' byelaw petition

When organiser Neil Smith, Bexhill representative of the Sussex Sea Anglers’ Network and a member of the Angling Trust, first contacted Rother to suggest making the handover a photo-opportunity “with smiles” highlighting democracy in action, he was rebuffed by council solicitor David Edwards.

Mr Edwards said proposed byelaw changes would only prevent beach fishing between Bexhill Sailing Club and the far edge of the Metropole Lawn from 9am to 6pm, May to September. Around 90 per cent of Bexhill’s shoreline would be unaffected.

The proposed changes to the byelaws are currently out for consultation.

Mr Edwards added said that in proposing the byelaw, the council was concerned for the safety and enjoyment of swimmers, sunbathers and boat users on a popular stretch of beach.

He told Mr Smith, of Little Common Road: “A petition ... would not be relevant to the current consultation exercise, so I don’t see why its delivery should attract any attention”. He suggested instead sending it to the Town Hall by recorded delivery.

But after Mr Smith pointed out that the petition “includes many hundreds of consultation responses in the form of comments” and added: “I think it somewhat arrogant to dismiss the signatories of the petition as ‘having little understanding of the issues’ “ there was a change of heart.

Mr Edwards said: “Whilst I felt it necessary to clarify the overall position and misinterpretation that some fishermen seem to have, the council will of course be pleased to receive this petition.

“I’d like to assure you that all responses to the consultation will be considered.”

The petition is now expected to be presented to Town Hall officials next Friday, May 27, at 4.30pm.

PICTURED: Neil Smith