Call for U-turn over kite ban

A DEBATE on whether the town hall should pressure the district council to reverse a ban of power kites on the Imperial Recreation Ground takes place on Monday.

A DEBATE on whether the town hall should pressure the district council to reverse a ban of 'power kites' on the Imperial Recreation Ground takes place on Monday.

In July, East Devon District Council, at the behest of the Beach Safety Officer, put up a sign saying 'No power kites over 2m; no kite buggies; no kite boards' without consulting the town hall.

This followed a 'risk assessment' by the council's beach safety officer after a number of complaints from members of the public about the danger of power, buggy and board kites.

However, this prompted an angry response from users of the site, including Exmouth's world champion kite surfer Steph Bridge.

Users, the town council and ward members were angered when the ban was made without debate.

Town councillor Steve Gazzard, at a meeting of the full council on Monday, will ask town councillors to back the following motion, and will say: "Exmouth Town Council calls upon EDDC to suspend their kite restriction measures at the Imperial Recreation Ground, until full consultation with this town council, ward members, user organisations and the general public has taken place.