Goring Para Kiters - What Now?

 
The group of Para Kiters who have used the Greensward at Goring for a number of years are not alone in being mystified by the erection of three signs banning para kiting.

There has been no consultation and even the local Councillors were unaware that the ban had been made. One of these, David Marchant, was furious that such an imposition should be made without any apparent reason and is, at the time of writing, trying to identify a local Bye Law which would prohibit the sport.

Following a call from Liam Cole, one of the participants, Councillor Marchant arranged to meet a number of the Kiters on Thursday the 14th August to find out more. Some twenty people turned up 'on site' complete with some of the equipment they use. Many people will have seen the colourful kites responding to a brisk wind whilst driving along Marine Crescent and most will agree that it makes a colourful attraction to a pleasant part of our sea front.

According to Gary Churchill, one of the local kiters, there is a core of about fifty people who use the greensward for flying kites about twenty of whom use buggies. Because of the space no more than four take part at any one time.

These are all responsible people; local businessmen, their children, and families. Among the people there were grandfathers, fathers and sons. The investment in the equipment is not small. A kite can cost from £300.00 and a buggy £250.00. While it is not a club, as such, they are self policing and willing to be licensed or registered; all those spoken to carry substantial third party insurance and they encourage any newcomers to do the same.

Naturally the kiters are worried as to where they go from here. The clandestine way in which the signs were erected is surprising to say the least particularly as it must have taken some time for them to be made. The lack of consultation is a disgrace in what is supposed to be a democratic government. The reason for the exercise is still to be established. The originator of the prohibition should answer these questions.

Without a specific Bye Law, how the ban is to be enforced? Cyclists ride along the sea front path despite the 'no cycling' signs and there s nobody to stop them although cycling on the footpath is a legally enforceable offence!

Worthing is plagued by groups of lawless youngsters. Let us, at least, support those who wish to take part in healthy activities on a public recreation area.