Fresh doubts over Bognor's birdman

Barry Jones revealed his fears after receiving a letter from Arun District Council which stated the famous occasion could only go ahead if it met minimum British Diving Association depths.

Mr Jones, chairman of International Bognor Birdman, accused the council of being over-zealous in enforcing health and safety issues.

He believed the two university studies on safety he submitted to council months ago had proved the Bognor tides, although shallow, would be adequate to continue holding the Birdman.

The event, due to return to its home town on September 11 and 12, is reported to be worth 1m to the town in terms of tourist trade and worldwide television screening rights.

Much to the concern of many businesses and residents it was transferred to Worthing in 2008 after a reduction in Bognor's pier length over safety issues.

Worthing has since confirmed it is continuing with staging its version in August, which would leave the two towns going head-to-head within a matter of weeks of each other.

Mr Jones added: "I'll do anything for Bognor and we will have to think laterally if we can't do this on the pier, perhaps running it off the sand. So as far as I am concerned, this is not the end of the event."

But he conceded it would be very difficult to make final arrangements for the 2010 Birdman unless it received permission in the next few weeks.

The contest has gained a global following, with competitors joining from around the world, and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.

Nick Stuart Nicolson, chairman and president of Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce, echoed Mr Jones' concerns.

He said: "Bognor needs the Birdman event, which has brought a lot of money to the town. While safety concerns have to be addressed, the argument over British Diving Association depths does not seem to be right as people taking part in all their birdman paraphenalia are not actually diving '“ they are dropping off the pier."

Town, district and county councillor Paul Wells said: "It is going to be a another blow to the town if Birdman does not go ahead again this year.

"I am disappointed and staggered Arun District Council has taken the stance it has, bearing in mind the research done by the Birdman committee."

Arun District Council view

A spokeswoman for Arun District Council said: "This is not a case of health and safety gone mad but a case of the authority and others ensuring competitors are safe and not exposed to any risks.

"The safety advisory group has never said the event cannot go ahead and maintains it can. It has only ever given Mr Jones advice and guidance to enable it to be held.

"Since last year, this authority has endeavoured to assist Mr Jones by providing him with as much guidance from recognised bodies as possible to hold a safe and successful event.

"The council will always take a strong view on issues related to public safety and any advice offered will reflect this."

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