There have been calls for a crack-down on bikers who park their machines illegally on Strand Quay, blocking emergency exits and footpaths.

But some councillors say the bikers should be welcomed as they spend money in the town and have become an eye-catching attraction for visitors.

Hundreds of bikers descended on Rye during the May bank holiday and Rye is listed in biking publications and web-sites as a good place to stop.
Cllr Frank Palmer said: "We have had problems over a number of years.

"The bikes overflow onto the quay and private property causing inconvenience and annoyance to residents.

"I have had comments from local people who are very intimidated by the large numbers.

"There is plenty of space in the town's car parks. Why do we have to have them at Strand Quay?"

Mayor Sam Souster said: "I have had to deal with a number of irate calls over bikers at Strand Quay.

"To be fair it only happens once in a while. The problem is the sheer volume of bikes."

Cllr Bernadine Fiddimore said: "I know they bring in trade and are of some benefit to cafes, but they are a nuisance.

"No-one else is allowed to flout the law like that. I could not park my car on the pavement at Strand Quay and get away with it.

"They make life very unpleasant for people in the villages surrounding Rye."

Cllr Paul Osborne said: "I don't have an issue with them parking on the quay-side. They park there because there are no cars to knock their machines over. There is no safety issue of them parking there.

"Does it really matter if the parking is not organised? The main issue is when they ride past your house at 90mph pulling a wheelie.
Cllr Shaun Rogers said: "It is a minority who park in dangerous positions.

"We should be welcoming them as visitors to our town. If we say we don't like bikes, where are we going next? Are we going to say we don't want people in 4 x 4's?

"Are we going to say we find crowds of French or German people intimidating, or crowds of old people?"