Complaint over anglers

A VISITOR to Seaford has vowed never to use its beach for sunbathing and swimming again for fear of injury from anglers' lines.

David Hammond, 47, from Hassocks, travelled to Seaford on Sunday with his mother, nephew and a friend to make the most of the summer sun. He said: 'We visited Seaford beach to sunbathe and swim. We normally do this when the weather is hot - but not any more.

'The last couple of times there has been a noticeable increase in fishermen moving along the beach amongst the sunbathers and swimmers, casting their lines in and out of the water, sometimes with fish on the end of the hooks.

'We have found this particularly distressing, as the hapless fish struggle to stay alive as they gasp for oxygen, before being finally placed in a bucket of water. My nephew was especially concerned about being caught with a hook as he swam around in the sea. Sunday was the final straw, with a plethora of anglers walking nonchalantly between families with no regard for safety or the sensitivity of some people towards the abuse of living creatures.'

Mr Hammond was so angry he decided to make an official complaint to whoever was responsible for beach safety. He started with Seaford Town Council who sent him to Lewes District Council which told him it was the Environment Agency's responsibility. But that authority also said No.

After a series of phone calls Lewes District Council eventually admitted responsibility.

Mr Hammond said: 'It seems to me that Lewes District Council has a vicarious liability. What if a fisherman took a child's eye out? Have Lewes District Council carried out a risk assessment? Most beaches have now banned dogs from being on a beach between March and October, due to the potential danger to children, why should it not apply to fishermen? If some people want to fish, then allocate a special area for them, where they pose no danger to people.'

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said by-laws only covered pleasure boats, sail-boarders, sailing boats, jet-skis and dog fouling.

Anglers were free to fish anywhere although Seaford Lifeguards provided voluntary cover and often asked fishermen to be careful or move if they were too close to swimmers.

Cllr Elizabeth Lee, cabinet member with special responsibility for community issues, added: 'The beach is to be enjoyed by everyone. Having different interests makes it even more important to show consideration to each other.

'It would be better if anglers kept away from the bathing beach area that is patrolled by lifeguards and fished west of Edinburgh Road. It would also help to make sure that the fishing is not disturbed by swimmers.'