Disabled anglers fear they are at end of line (From Dorset Echo)

Disabled anglers fear they are at end of line

10:49am Tuesday 22nd July 2008 in

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DISABLED anglers claim they have been cast adrift by plans for the new Weymouth Pavilion.

The proposed development could force hundreds of disabled fishing enthusiasts to give up their hobby because they won't have access from the site.

Developer Howard Holdings says public access will only be available on the Weymouth Beach side of the new development. But a Weymouth disabled anglers' group says the water there is too shallow and there is nowhere else suitable for angling in the resort with nearby parking spaces.

Groups of disabled adults and children currently fish at the pleasure pier area of the Pavilion close to the Condor Ferries terminal.

The Disabled Angling Association of the Weymouth Angling Society arranges for groups to use the area from all over the country.

Andy Alcock, chairman of the South West Federation of Sea Anglers, said: "Over the last 20 years we have lost so many disabled fishing areas and now we stand to lose this one.

"At the moment disabled people can park their car within 10ft of the fishing area and this is why it's designed like this.

"They get as much pleasure from their hobby as anyone gets from a hobby."

Mr Alcock added that the alternative of fishing on the other side of the harbour would mean no nearby car parks for people in wheelchairs or for those who use dwalking aids.

He said: "So many children and adults use the area for competitions.

"In a time when we are trying to get our kids away from the computer and doing outdoor activities, they haven't thought this through."

Gary Charman, the regional director of Howard Holdings, said the new promenade for the Pavilion re-development would be considerably longer.

He added: "There will be more than adequate space for people to fish in.

"The pier will be twice as long, probably about 300 metres, and it will be four or five metres wide so there will be enough space for anglers and for people to fish in.

"We won't be providing public access to the south side of the pier for health and safety reasons."

Mr Charman said the new promenade would be built in keeping with Disability Discrimination Act regulations and that ramp access would be provided from the underground car park.