District hits back after verbal attack

"It will become clear when this case is concluded that Arun has only ever conducted itself in an honest and unprejudiced manner, co-operating with both the court and the fishermen at every stage in order to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"It has never been the council's intention to try to stop the fishermen from fishing at Bognor Regis," he said.

"Arun has a duty of care to everyone living, visiting and working in the district and the safety of the public is paramount.

"This case, which should soon be resolved, has only ever been about the safety of the public and those employed using this means of operation."

He explained that the council had made every effort to work with the fishermen to resolve the health and safety issues regarding the retrieval of boats from the beach.

But he claimed these attempts were rebuffed at the early stages. This prompted the need for legal advice, which led to reluctantly initiated legal proceedings.

The spokesman stated that Cllr Fyfe had not been involved in any of the court proceedings nor had access to any of the paperwork.

The council would make no further comment to avoid prejudicing what was still a court matter, the spokesman added.