Peace breaks out in Bognor fish war

The four fishermen and Arun District Council have agreed a compromise to a dispute which stretches back more than two years.

The fishermen will install two new winches by the spot they have occupied immediately east of the pier for 19 years to enable their boats to be pulled out of the water.

This is currently performed using a tractor and a cable.

The agreement has to be approved by a judge before it is formally agreed.

One of the fishermen, Tim Ide, said: "We are not particularly happy with the outcome but a compromise was necessary rather than carrying on in dispute with the council."

The winches will cost more than 20,000, on top of the 10,000-plus the fishermen have paid out to back their case during the disagreement.

Nigel Croad, Arun's resources director, said: "The council had a positive meeting with the fishermen and, as a result, have come to an agreement which is now with the court for approval.

"This agreement, if approved, will address the health-and-safety issues the council has previously raised concerns over."

The row began after an accident in Febuary 2006. A rope being used to winch a fishing boat up the beach snapped and hit an elderly man and brushed a young boy's foot. Neither individual was injured.

But Arun and the fishermen ended up facing each other in Chichester County Court last June 18.

Judge Barratt QC ordered an independent health-and-safety audit of the fishermen to be funded by Arun.

The fishermen also changed the way they bring in their boats by placing signs and a fisherman on the promenade to raise awareness the activity was taking place.

The two sides have since been talking about how to resolve their disagreement.

Bognor town councillor Simon Fyfe, who has spoken up for the fishermen, said: "The fishermen will be permitted to continue operating on the basis the two new winches are installed."

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