HASTINGS & ST. LEONARDS A.A NEGOTIATE FOR DEAL ON PIER Fishing stopped on Hastings Pier 18 months ago when it closed after receivers moved in and for the first time in 100 years Hastings & St Leonards Angling Association were unable to hold their Annual Pier Festival. The closure followed one of the best competitions on the Pier for many years with large plaice and cod making up the weights. Last autumn the Pier was purchased and the new owner has spent all winter refurbishing and reinstating the steel works. It is expected to open in May and Hastings & St Leonards AA are hoping to resume fishing. Peter Spelman, agent for the owner has meet with the clubs secretary Ted Eldridge and agrees that fishing can take place, though in a more limited form than it used to be. Only club members will be allowed to fish and the price has risen from just under £1000 to £6000 a year. The whole of the end of the Pier will be available for fishing which can accommodate 40 anglers, but if the Festival is to take place again this will need to be extended to take up to 60 anglers. So far a deal is yet to be struck, but traditionally Hastings anglers have always fished from the Pier and they hope to do so again. Thanks to the Bait and Tackle Centre for this news. |
