Anglers' signature cast of thousands nets result

The anglers’ 150-page petition was presented to Rother councillor Martin Kenward, lead member for culture, sport and tourism, by Neil Smith, local representative of the Sussex Sea Anglers’ Network and the National Angling Trust, outside Bexhill town hall on Friday last week (pictured).

Following an earlier rebuff by council solicitor David Edwards, who had suggested a petition “would not be relevant” to the current public consultation on proposed byelaw changes, the anglers insisted that their views be taken into account.

In a hasty U-turn, the council then agreed to receive the petition after all. Having done so on Friday afternoon, Cllr Kenward and Rother’s chief executive, Derek Stevens, immediately invited the anglers inside for 30 minutes of informal talks.

The result was an agreement by both parties to work together to develop a code of conduct governing beach fishing throughout Rother 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 that they should do likewise.

The council further agreed to consider putting up signs asking anglers not to fish if crowds are present on busy summertime beaches.

Cllr Kenward said 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.”

For the anglers, Neil Smith, said he had been encouraged by the meeting. He added: “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.”