Cllr Warner calls for crackdown on violent crime following spate of cycling related incidents

Following the relatively recent vote to begin the process of relaxing inadequate bye laws which prevent cycling on Eastbourne's seafront promenade, taken by a majority of Councillors on both sides of the chamber of Eastbourne Borough Council there has been a spate of violent crimes involving cyclists.

First the little girl who was knocked down near The Pier, after which the two cyclists involved sped away and only came forward to answer for their actions after being identified on seafront CCTV footage. Then last week an elderly gentlemen was badly beaten up following an autication with a thug on two wheels. Additionally there have been incidents where cyclists have come off worst against motorists.

Now I know that opinion is deeply divided on whether cyclists should be able to join pedestrians on our promenades but the fact remains, the bye law is still currently in place but it has done nothing to prevent innocent people becoming victims of violent crime. 

That is why during the full council meeting held earlier this evening, I called on fellow Councillors who serve on the JAG Committee (the Joint Action Group which brings representatives of the emergency services together with various agency partners) to work with the Community Safety Partnership to urgently draw up plans to crack down on this type of violent crime.

Regardless of whether the bye law is relaxed next year or not, I believe it is vital that the sense of community which the decent majority demonstrated is so alive and well in Eastbourne following the tragic Pier fire, is not threatened by a mindless minority of individuals who think it perfectly acceptable to treat others with such disrespect. I will be keeping up pressure for this minority to receive a very clear message, you are not welcome in Eastbourne!