Sort out Ditchling common, and have more people patrol the area to keep it safe

The Issue

Here is a link to what has happened at Ditchling common pond. We have informed the council several times of the problems up there and now the swan has been found dead, shot twice (with a air rifle), had fishing hooks in her body and a broken wing. The council ignored our concerns and now it's to late for this beautiful animal. So im calling for the council to act, Something needs to be done before more innocent animals are harmed. The ranger ignores our calls and never visits (he didnt even know the male swan had gone months ago) and fishermen are left to do what they want. Please help, we need to have it baliffed properly atleast twice a day, or ban fishing there if it cant be monitored it's not fair that these animals have to die because people won't help and now two cygnets have lost both of their parents. Their also needs to be more dog waste bins and some general rubbish bins for the fishermen waiste  and round the pcnic areas, because there is so much general rubbish left by where the fishermen are (bait packets, cans, food waste etc) the whole common needs to be sorted and partolled properly so it can be enjoyed by all where possible, if this area can not be properly monitored by the council then fishing must be passed on to a fishing club or banned.

please sign to help save the wildlife and make Ditchling common a better place.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1294482297231227&id=100000084060269​

 http://m.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/local/outraged-after-parent-swan-s-death-at-county-s-most-dangerous-pond-1-7556742​

http://wildlifeambulance.org/ditchling-common-swans-update/

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Jacqueline JoyPetition Starter
Media enquiries
This petition had 666 supporters

The Issue

Here is a link to what has happened at Ditchling common pond. We have informed the council several times of the problems up there and now the swan has been found dead, shot twice (with a air rifle), had fishing hooks in her body and a broken wing. The council ignored our concerns and now it's to late for this beautiful animal. So im calling for the council to act, Something needs to be done before more innocent animals are harmed. The ranger ignores our calls and never visits (he didnt even know the male swan had gone months ago) and fishermen are left to do what they want. Please help, we need to have it baliffed properly atleast twice a day, or ban fishing there if it cant be monitored it's not fair that these animals have to die because people won't help and now two cygnets have lost both of their parents. Their also needs to be more dog waste bins and some general rubbish bins for the fishermen waiste  and round the pcnic areas, because there is so much general rubbish left by where the fishermen are (bait packets, cans, food waste etc) the whole common needs to be sorted and partolled properly so it can be enjoyed by all where possible, if this area can not be properly monitored by the council then fishing must be passed on to a fishing club or banned.

please sign to help save the wildlife and make Ditchling common a better place.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1294482297231227&id=100000084060269​

 http://m.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/local/outraged-after-parent-swan-s-death-at-county-s-most-dangerous-pond-1-7556742​

http://wildlifeambulance.org/ditchling-common-swans-update/

avatar of the starter
Jacqueline JoyPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

East Sussex County Council
East Sussex County Council
Responded
“Thank you for your petition and all your comments. We would have responded earlier but change.org had technical issues granting us access to this site. Like yourselves, we want to do the best we can to protect the wildlife. Our rangers do make regular visits to the park; we monitor fishing; we carry out litter picks around the park, at the pond and the picnic area; and we provide and empty four litter bins. However in light of recent reports, we are making some changes and taking some actions: • We are increasing the number of regular inspections we make from weekly to twice-weekly visits. • To help us monitor the park's condition and help us decide how we can improve how it is managed, we will also be recording what we find on site. This will help us to assess what kinds of problems are occurring. We will also continue to react as quickly as possible to any reports the public make via our email and our phone number. • We are seeking advice from the Environment Agency to assess the condition of the pond and determine whether there are any other measures that need to be taken to improve its condition. • We do ask the public to take their litter home with them but we will now also be doing more to educate users of the site, particularly dog owners and fisherman, by improving signage and notices at the site. • We have spoken to the Sussex Wildlife Rescue Service and Sussex Police regarding the killing of the swan. Given the available evidence, the Police are not confident that they can take any further action. If we find out any more we will certainly pass this on to them. The Police have asked that anyone with information about this incident to please email them on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 885 of 27/08. What to do if you see a problem: • We would urge anyone who is aware of any problems to do with discarded lines or litter, to report them directly to our countryside team, providing as much detail as possible about the location. You’ll find contact details at the end of this message. • If you find an injured wild animal please contact RSPCA on 0300 123 4999, or contact East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) rescue hotline on 07815 078234. • Unfortunately, we only have limited resources. With the Park being open 24/7, it is very difficult to effectively monitor wildlife crime and other issues on the site. So we would urge the public to report any significant problems to us as soon as possible. • And we always welcome support from volunteers. Please contact our countryside team if you are interested in helping by volunteering. Our countryside team contact details: Telephone 01273 482670 Email countryside.management@eastsussex.gov.uk More about Ditchling Common Country Park: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/ditchlingcommon Littering is still an offence, as is wildlife crime! Thank you all for your continued support in helping to protect the area for the wildlife.”

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Petition created on 27 August 2016