Following the successful trial day held last October, further constructive discussions have taken place between the Port of Dover, Dover Sea Angling Association (DSAA) and the Angling Trust in order to agree a new and positive way forward that will enable fishing to resume safely and securely from Admiralty Pier in early 2022.
Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, said: “It has been a complex process and one that needed to satisfactorily address the Port’s genuine heightened security needs. What I am so pleased about is that all parties have engaged in this process in the true spirit of cooperation and understanding, which has enabled us to find a solution that works for everyone. I’m truly delighted we have been able to do so and thank all those who have helped make it happen, including Diederik Smet from Destination Dover who has been integral to this and will be going forward.”
Richard Yates, Chairman of the DSAA, said: “Dover Sea Angling Association are delighted with the agreement they have reached with Dover Harbour Board to allow angling to resume from the Admiralty Pier and the disabled fishing area on CT3. We would like to say a huge thank you to the Port for working hard and in good faith to find a solution that meets their security and safety needs and allows angling to continue for the people of Dover and other areas.
Angling has bought huge benefits to the people of Dover for hundreds of years and it’s nice to see that the Port appreciates how important it is to the community and put such effort into finding a way forward, I’m sure the community is very grateful. We would also like to thank the Angling Trust who as a governing body has been a massive help in the discussions along with the hundreds of anglers who have given their support.
“Angling will reopen in early 2022 on both areas of the pier and we will be releasing full details in the coming days on our Facebook page.”
Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Campaigns at the Angling Trust, said: “The angling community has been deeply concerned that new security requirements would result in fishing not being able to return to such an iconic venue as Admiralty Pier. Having contacted the Harbour Board to discuss the situation, I’m delighted they genuinely and positively engaged, were open to suggestions, and worked so constructively over a long period of time to help find a solution that worked for everyone. It’s great to see angling returning to the pier.”
The agreement will allow local able-bodied and disabled anglers to fish once again at a much-loved venue whilst having in place a robust security process in place that keeps both local anglers and the port safe and secure.