Anglers charged under Terrorism Laws

[elton]

Just in case this hasn\'t been posted here:

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=003350

[bribones]

i think if these 2 lads are found guilty itl be a sad day for anglers
what a waste of tax payers money and a pointless exercise, a caution would have been more in order for not going through the proper channels/red tape ,where and who next ?

[Scouse]

If anyone would like to show their support for Steve/Dave and Merseyside`s anglers,we would be grateful if you would copy and send the e-mail contained in this link...thanks. http://wsfsouth.co.uk/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1687

[Edited on 10/11/2004 by Scouse]

[bribones]

sorry but that link just takes me to the log in page ???

[Scouse]

While we all know that Steve Davies and Dave irvine are up in court for fishing the Alex Wall on Thursday 11th November, I hope that we can all show our support in emailing the following the Press Officer

All you need to do is Cut and Paste the following in to your emial, and sent it to:

eric.leatherbarrow@merseydocks.co.uk
or
corporateaffairs@merseydocks.co.uk


Dear Mr Leatherbarrow,

I feel compelled to write to you to show my support for the stance taken by local sea anglers, Steve Davies and Dave Irvine, who were arrested and charged under the new port anti-terrorism laws, which have been imposed on all anglers by MD&HCo
These two highly regarded family men, were merely exercising their rights in common law, to access the Liverpool seafront on the dock estate, for recreational purposes, as have many generations of anglers from Merseyside.

Their actions have been brought about, solely as a direct result of the totally unfeasible restrictions placed on the anglers by MD&HB, which you must agree, are nigh on impossible to satisfy. As anglers; family men, and responsible law abiding members of society, we are deeply angered that our peaceful pastime has become a political pawn in the fight against terrorism, and that we have so obviously been made scapegoats by MD&Hco

This is Liverpool, one of the greatest maritime cities in the world, with some of the best fishing anywhere in the country, yet our own people cannot access the waterfront. This is Liverpool, the next capital of culture.... sea angling is part of our culture; it`s part of our life
Almost 2000 anglers held permits to fish the seafront, with many more buying day tickets, providing much needed business for the local tackle/bait trade. Since the introduction of the restrictions, the effects on those local businesses have been devastating. Steve Davies himself has seen his once successful tackle business, fall around him, due to a huge drop in sales.

The support for Steve and Dave, and the lifting of restrictions, is not only coming from Merseyside anglers, but is now nation wide. The advent of angling websites has meant that thousands of anglers are in constant contact with each other, throughout the country, every day. Countless messages have been received, offering support from individuals and clubs, who are willing to join us in our fight for our rights. At the moment, 2 anglers have made a stance, which may seem insignificant, yet they made the headlines on national TV and in the press. Imagine the publicity from mass demonstrations, which are already being talked about, after all, we have nothing left to lose.

There is a solution to the problem.

The need for security and accountability is fully recognised by sea anglers, which is why the permit scheme, run by NWASAC for many years, while outdated it has been so successful.

An officially stamped permit, with the anglers photo, address, car registration, and even a “secret� question can be stored on a simple database this would allow the Port Police to check and be aware of exactly who is entering the dock estate...something that is not happening at present!!

The permits mean that anglers are instantly accountable, when challenged by Port Police on their security patrols, making the task of monitoring security, so much easier. Car parking could be kept to one allocated area for anglers fishing the Alex Wall, which would also aid the Port Police on their patrols. The Langton end of the Alex has a large area, which has been a virtual wasteland, for the past 30+ years; this for example would be ideal.

Summary.

There really is no just cause or reason, not to allow anglers to access the seafront via the dock estate, especially as we are prepared to pay for, and carry permits containing full identification details; something which few other port users do. We are security conscious, responsible people who would just like to able to once again enjoy our pastime...is that asking too much.

I would be grateful for your comments regarding the above.

[Ell]

Thanks for that Scouse I\'ll fire one off

[bribones]

done and good luck to the lads

[Scouse]

Thanks a lot,it is very much appreciated

[mark]

major domo just fired off, well, several!

[Scouse]

Today`s hearing was adjourned until Thursday Dec` 9th

[Gwyn]

There is an online petition for the two guys who need our support please sign it to show your support


http://www.petitiononline.com/docks/petition-sign.html?

[tonyfromalnwick]

Less than 40 signatures at the minute lads.
Come on people.......get your fingers out and sign.
Liverpool today...where next?

[mark]

now I do not condone what the port authority have done in any way, but I was thinking on the way back (from liverpool today as it happens) I wonder if there is a depper story here. From what was said on radio 4, this arguement goes back a long way and theytried to invoke the same old by-law 20 odd years ago.

what I was thinking is, was there a reason for them to be so heavy handed. Lets say, hypothetically, that along the dock walls there has been a continued build up of litter, discarded line baits etc (sound familiar??) and they just got fed up with it??

If that is the case there\'s a fairly salutory warning to all the eejits who dump there **** all over shields pier.

Not saying for a minute that that is the case, but its worth thinking about. If a precedent is set there, it might be us next if there is no respect shown for someone elses property

[Ell]

More likely to be the work of you\'re average mean spirited organisation, as afraid of litigation as it pretends to be of terrorism. Same at Hendon, Seaham and many other areas of coastline we are denied access to.

[Edited on 12/11/2004 by Ell]

[bribones]

makes you laugh really ,ive fished at blyth when hms blyth has been parked up(moored) same as the tyne when hms Newcastle paid a visit all prime targets for the nutters with no security what so ever,what makes liverpool so different ,unless there was alloys to nick