Arun buries its head in the kite-surfing sand

For 12 months, we have argued for a specially signed, flagged and buoyed zone for kite surfers who would then effectively have both a safe, set-up zone and, most importantly, a channel for landing and launching.

This would enable all beach users (locals and visitors) to use the foreshore and sea safely, whether walking, playing, paddling, swimming or partaking in a growing range of water sports.

It was hoped that Arun and Airhead would take this initiative and that both would agree on the introduction of a club affiliated to the British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA) operating with stringent safety standards, a voluntary code of practice and compulsory insurance for all members.

Instead, Arun have told us they have introduced a kite school. Wonderful in theory, but the kite school is only responsible for the actions of its pupils during lessons.

Jason, who runs this, is a safety-conscious and responsible individual, but he cannot be assumed to be responsible for the growing numbers of kiters using East Beach.

Councillor James Walsh has requested an on-site meeting with Arun officials.

All along the coast, through Shoreham and Brighton to Hayling Island, local authorities are starting to restrict and zone kiting.

Kiters who are responsible and simply want to peacefully get on with their sport and steer clear of confrontation (and accident) have begun to form clubs with BKSA and with local-authority support.

These become effectively self policing and more maverick individuals are outed.

Most importantly, members of the public know who to talk to when they are frightened or threatened, as can happen.

Everyone is happy.

For now we have seafront officers and lifeguards who have no jurisdiction beyond the first beach hut, the police who have no jurisdiction until an "assault" occurs and a kite school acting as a magnet to attract kiters to the area.

Arun seems to be content to bury its head in the sand and a number of old-school kiters are moving to Climping and beyond, wary of what could happen.

Stephanie Bolt

Western Road

Littlehampton