By Petition launched in bid to provide take-off space for paramotorists
A petition has been launched in a bid to provide a space for paramotorists to take off from, due to North East Lincolnshire Council allegedly “attempting to ban paramotor pilots from taking off and flying in the local area”.
Also known as powered paragliding, paramotoring is a form of aviation where the pilot wears a back-mounted motor while using a paraglider.
Louis Harwood has been flying paramotors for three years after being a full-time skydiver for 10 years.
He said: “Paramotors have been flying around Cleethorpes for the last five years. The field we’ve been using has had maybe one or two complaints in that time but we’ve always been able to deal with that and keep local residents happy.
“The council sent a security officer to the field – who wouldn’t identify himself – to tell us we can no longer use that field to fly from, or any other council field or public area. We’ve used this field for years and now we have very few options.
“What the council don’t seem to understand is that we are always flying legally and although our options are limited we will continue to fly in the local area. With all that being said, we don’t want even the small minority to be unhappy and we’d much rather work with the council to find a mutually beneficial solution – although after trying for the last few years they don’t seem interested.
“We are asking the council to work with us to find an appropriate take off site locally in return we are more than happy to limit our flying hours, altitudes and areas we fly to even further minimise disruption, keep the council happy and reduce the small minority of complaints. I think this is a win-win.
“It seems, however, that the council just want to prevent flying all together by removing take off sites and applying pressure by making accusations of illegal flying.
“Everything points to them just making it difficult for local pilots simply trying to enjoy their hobby respectfully without being willing to enter into a conversation.
“We just want to enjoy our hobby and the amazing views Cleethorpes has to offer and keep residents happy at the same time.”
An NELC spokesperson said: “We encourage people to enjoy the benefits our of our coastal location, but it needs to be done safely and with respect to the protected environment.
“Cleethorpes sits on the banks of the Humber Estuary, one of the UK’s greatest wetlands and a protected, internationally important site for wildlife.
“Many species of wading birds make their home in the salt marsh. These birds also have special protected status and disturbing them is an offence.
“If a paramotor flies near them, it causes a disturbance and puts them at risk.
“In addition, we have had reports of some paramotorists operating from urban and suburban playing fields around Cleethorpes, including land owned by the Council.
“The Rules of the Air regulations (2015) stipulate that an aircraft must not take off or land within a congested area of any city, town or settlement without permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“As permission from the CAA has not been given, the Council has asked paramotorists not to operate from these sites.
“Breaches of the Rules of the Air regulations is a criminal offence and could result in either a fine or imprisonment.
“We have spoken to the paramotor pilots in the past about this and are willing to work with them to find a compromise that satisfies all parties and respects our unique environment.”
