Kite ban in the UK
News - Blackpool Today: News, Sport, Jobs, Property, Cars, Entertainments & More: "Lives at risk because of beach kite surf ban'
LIVES could be in danger if a controversial kite ban on a Fylde beach is not lifted.
Phil Rawcliffe, of the South Shore Kite Boarding Association, said kite surfers have been forced to head north into dangerous waters since the shock ban was imposed on St Annes beach.
Mr Rawcliffe said: 'If this ban continues, more kite surfers will use more hazardous areas with bigger waves and more dangerous currents.
'The water near St Annes and Lytham beach is very shallow but this ban is pushing inexperienced surfers into the waters off North Fylde.
'Waves up there can be 15ft high with currents of five knots. It has already put some people in danger.'
Fylde Council enforced a blanket ban on power kites in all public open spaces last week following an incident where a female dog-walker became entangled in kite lines and dragged to the floor.
It means fans are prohibited from using the two-line or harness-style kites which are necessary for kite surfing on the shoreline waves and extreme flying where enthusiasts are dragged along the sand or launched into the air.
The ban area stretches to Starr Gate where an imaginary line splits Fylde and Blackpool's beaches – meaning kite users could in theory practise their sport in front of the sea wall.
Ansdell kite surfing protege Ally Barrett, 16, who has just turned professional, said: 'I'm outraged by this.
'Rossall is more dangerous and not a nice place as the currents are bad. You could go in front of the sea wall but that would again be dangerous.
'I live on Blackpool Road in Ansdell and I can't go and practise after school anymore.'
A website has now been set up at www.endtheban.co.uk to try to overturn the decision. A meeting will be held with council chiefs next week to find a solution.
Peter Dawson, of the British Kite Flying Association, said: 'It would appear"
LIVES could be in danger if a controversial kite ban on a Fylde beach is not lifted.
Phil Rawcliffe, of the South Shore Kite Boarding Association, said kite surfers have been forced to head north into dangerous waters since the shock ban was imposed on St Annes beach.
Mr Rawcliffe said: 'If this ban continues, more kite surfers will use more hazardous areas with bigger waves and more dangerous currents.
'The water near St Annes and Lytham beach is very shallow but this ban is pushing inexperienced surfers into the waters off North Fylde.
'Waves up there can be 15ft high with currents of five knots. It has already put some people in danger.'
Fylde Council enforced a blanket ban on power kites in all public open spaces last week following an incident where a female dog-walker became entangled in kite lines and dragged to the floor.
It means fans are prohibited from using the two-line or harness-style kites which are necessary for kite surfing on the shoreline waves and extreme flying where enthusiasts are dragged along the sand or launched into the air.
The ban area stretches to Starr Gate where an imaginary line splits Fylde and Blackpool's beaches – meaning kite users could in theory practise their sport in front of the sea wall.
Ansdell kite surfing protege Ally Barrett, 16, who has just turned professional, said: 'I'm outraged by this.
'Rossall is more dangerous and not a nice place as the currents are bad. You could go in front of the sea wall but that would again be dangerous.
'I live on Blackpool Road in Ansdell and I can't go and practise after school anymore.'
A website has now been set up at www.endtheban.co.uk to try to overturn the decision. A meeting will be held with council chiefs next week to find a solution.
Peter Dawson, of the British Kite Flying Association, said: 'It would appear"
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