Stop the ban on Pendine Sands !

Pendine Sands is a large beach in South Wales, mostly owned by the Ministry of Defence and used as a bombing range during the week. On an evening and weekend the public have free access to it.

It's approximately 8 miles long, and is used for lots of varied activities. It's known as THE number one spot in the UK for Traction Kite related sports (buggying, boarding etc), and people travel from all over the UK to get to this mecca of a place, to fly on it's massive expanse of sand.

Unfortunately, people are also allowed to drive motor vehicles on the beach at present, and some unsociable behaviour by people in cars, and on quad bikes has made the County Council look to closing the beach altogether, after having a report done by RoSPA, as they fear they will be liable for any accident that may occur.

This blanket ban will also affect the Traction Kiters, who are one of the most responsible, safety conscious groups of people you could meet, and who mostly have 5 million third party liability insurance. The kiters make a point of going further down the beach (a couple of miles) away from the public to 'do their thing', so as not to be a hazard to the general public.

They have not consulted with kiters to find a workaround, or take into account how safety conscious and responsible kiters are. They've just decided to close the beach, and allow pedestrian access only.

They also don't seem to realise the detrimental effect it will have on the local economy. Kiters fly at all times of the year, staying in local hotels and hostelries and spending in local shops and pubs etc. This provides a large amount of revenue for the businesses in the off-season period, as well as the main season.

Regular meets happen all year round, and this loss of revenue as people will no longer visit, will have a damaging effect on local businesses and communities.

Kiters have been contacting the media to raise awareness of what is happening before the ban in put into place without any consultation.

This petition is to try to show the County Council the massive support around the UK to keep this massive venue open to all, and start discussions with the kiting fraternity, so putting the councils' mind at rest regarding safety and conduct on the beach.

Please show your support by signing the petition.

Thank You.