We, the regular users and lovers of Cooden Beach, are petitioning for an immediate review and revision of the current parking charge system. Our goal is simple: to end the blanket ban on free parking and implement a fairer approach that benefits all beach users while effectively addressing any remaining concerns about anti-social behaviour.

As a long-time resident and frequent visitor to Cooden Beach, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of changes at our beloved coastal spot. This beach isn't just a scenic location; it's a vital part of our community's daily life. It's where families come to spend quality time together, where dog walkers enjoy brisk morning strolls, where kitesurfers and windsurfers practice their eco-friendly sports, and where locals and visitors alike come to unwind and connect with nature.

Until this this year, we faced challenges with anti-social behaviour at the beach, particularly overnight. It was a concern for all of us who cherished this space. Then, the Environment Agency stepped in with a simple yet incredibly effective solution: they created a shingle bank.

The impact of this shingle bank cannot be overstated. At minimal cost and with no expense to Rother District Council, this intervention single-handedly eliminated 99% of the anti-social behaviour we were experiencing. It was a testament to how thoughtful, targeted solutions can solve complex problems without burdening the community.

Given this remarkable success, you can imagine our surprise and disappointment when new parking charges were introduced. These charges, ostensibly aimed at addressing the very issues the shingle bank had already solved, now threaten the accessibility of the beach for all regular users.

For a local resident like myself, who might want to walk their dog on the beach every morning, these charges add up quickly. For families planning frequent summer outings, the costs can become prohibitive. Sports enthusiasts who visit multiple times a week when conditions are right face a significant financial burden. These charges aren't just a nuisance; they feel like a penalty for enjoying and making the best use of our natural resources.

What's particularly frustrating is that these charges seem to miss the mark entirely. The Environment Agency's shingle bank has already addressed the main issues effectively and at no cost to the council. Yet now, we're faced with a system that penalises daytime users—the very people who bring life and community to this coastal gem—while doing little to address any remaining concerns about overnight use.

This is why we're petitioning for change. We believe there's a better way to manage Cooden Beach—one that acknowledges the tremendous success of the shingle bank and recognises the value of regular beach users from all walks of life.

Ultimately, we want an end to the blanket ban on free parking, and a fairer approach to dealing with any lingering anti-social behaviour. We're not asking for special treatment. We're simply calling for a rational approach that takes into account the real situation on the ground. The shingle bank has proven that effective solutions don't always need to come with a price tag for the community.

By signing this petition, you're supporting not just one group, but all those who believe in accessible public spaces. You're standing up for thoughtful management, such as the shingle bank, which has been very successful.

Let's work together to find a solution that serves everyone's interests—one that keeps Cooden Beach open, accessible, and thriving for all who love it, while acknowledging the significant improvements already made through the Environment Agency's intervention. It's time for our parking policy to reflect the positive changes we've already achieved at Cooden Beach, and to implement a more nuanced and fair approach to managing our shared coastal space.

Join us in preserving Cooden Beach as a place for everyone—residents, visitors, families, dog walkers, and sports enthusiasts alike. Sign our petition today and help keep Cooden Beach accessible for all.