Plans to exclude dogs from much of Camber Sands during the summer will be discussed this October. A report is being prepared for Rother District Council’s cabinet meeting on October 9, following a survey about dog control in Rye and the local beaches which has received 1,856 responses. The council’s consultation closed at the end of July.
The proposals being discussed include varying restrictions in Rye’s Gun Garden and Cemetery, as well as ending all dog bans at both Pett and Winchelsea beaches. The Camber proposals have caused the most discussion, with dog walkers being urged to complete the survey. Currently, dogs are banned from an area of Camber Sands near the central car park during the summer, however the consultation suggests that ban will be extended. One option could see dogs restricted to just the section of beach next to the harbour entrance, and banned totally from Broomhill Sands from May to September. The other proposal would allow dogs near the harbour entrance and the section of Broomhill to the east of the car park during the summer.
Earlier in the year, a Rother District Council spokesperson told Rye News: “There has been an increase in recreational activities such as kite surfing in this area of the beach, and the proposals are to help ensure the safety of dog walkers and their dogs on Broomhill Sands.”
Image Credits: James Stewart , Rother DC .
The missing option on this “consultation” on a wide spread dog ban on our beach at Camber shows that RDC proposals have no intention of actually consulting or reflecting the views of Camber residents, local residents, visitors and the many many Camber beach users. These ridiculous and draconian proposals – do not allow an option 3 – leave things alone. The current summer ban in the central area is quite sufficient and allows enjoyment of all locals and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the beach and exercise with their dogs throughout the year. People and their dogs have always enjoyed this beach and it has been a busy beach for many many years. Having the wonderful kite surfing area in one area of the beach should not equal banning people with their dogs from that area….our space should be shared, respected and enjoyed!
This is not the first “consultation” from RDC which puts its own limited and misaligned answers as the solutions to what it has itself raised – the answers fulfilling its own wishes. Note to RDC – there are very real and pressing matters to attend to banning people with dogs from enjoying their open space, having local walks in fresh air is not one of them! Your eyes and not on the actual problems that need fixing, there is a very long list of those which have no consultation on!
Absolutely agree with the previous comment
LEAVE THINGS ALONE RDC
Strongly second the above. Leave things alone.
Elderly people with dogs cannot get over the dunes or deal with Jury’s gap.
The winter months are the only time they can get out onto a flat surface for a good walk, and afford the parking!
Walking in Rye is deplorable if you are older or suffer any infirmity.
The 1066 trail is always overgrown until someone complains.
The pavements aren’t much better either.
So have a care and a thought for the less able bodied people of Rye.
Leave the beach alone.
Agree to option 3 as above. Good balance currently exists at Camber…so why change!…..
Could not agree more with the original post. RDC should get on with dealing with real social issues and not concern itself with things that don’t need looking at. Kite surfers can’t use the beach when wind is in a different direction or when tide is in so for long periods no one gets the benefit of the beach. Madness!
I think most of us will agree that sense won out in the end and the status quo was maintained. An option for dogs to be allowed in Rye Cemetery on fixed leads, proposed by Rye Town Council and which I spoke in support of was approved by Cabinet this Monday.
As some Rye News readers know I got a new puppy this summer in my 85th year which means that for the next decade, if I am lucky to live that long or longer, my dog and i are hoping to be doing our regular beach walks on Broomhill Sands. It’s so easy there for elderly people to use the ramp and to have a bit of a rest on the rocks when needed. The surfers are friendly. My puppy and I respect them and what they do. Can’t this situation simply be left alone PLEASE for those of us to enjoy it just as it is?
In total agreement with the comments made by Madeline, Julia and Neil. Keep the status quo and RDC please stop wasting more time and money on more dog discussions and get on with dealing with more pressing matters.
I totally agree with Susan and Frances. The present rules work really well for everyone and there are so many more important things to deal with.