Jurassic Paddle Sports complaints revealed after Freedom of Information request

Sidmouth's Jurassic Paddle Sports, which is currently on 'rocky ground', was the subject of two complaints in the run up to a crucial meeting to secure the business' future, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

The FOI request to East Devon District Council (EDDC) was sent in by Sidmouth resident Lois Swarbrick after the public were made aware the business was at risk of closure and an online petition was created which stated that: "Due to a small number of complaints from the public and the actions of East Devon District Council the viability of this service is under threat."

The online petition has received more than 3,100 signatures to date.

The dispute between EDDC and Jurassic Paddle Sports arose when the water sports company applied to renew its concession for another year.

According to Guy Russell, Jurassic Paddle Sport's owner, the concession fee was increased and the council were 'demanding twice the amount of insurance cover'.

He was also told a number of complaints had been made about the business and that changes would need to be made before a concession could be agreed.

EDDC responded publicly, saying that the concession fee had increased in line with similar concessions across the district and the insurance costs were calculated by the council's insurers in line with the needs of the business.

The Freedom of Information request reveals the nature of the complaints to EDDC.

The first complaint was made over the phone. Here is how EDDC describes the complaint: "Complainant was concerned that Jurassic Paddle Sports were trading from the beach without the rights to do so such as selling goods (wetsuits, snorkels etc.) from their 'pitch' which is expressly prohibited by their agreement."

The second complaint was sent via email: "Complainant was concerned that Jurassic Paddle Sports had used social media to confirm that they are providing a public lifeguard service, that this service is being funded by crowd funding and that any Lifeguard service on East Devon beaches (such as that provided by the RNLI) should have all the correct safeguards in place regardless of whether it is voluntary or professional."

In a recent post on Facebook Guy thanked the Sidmouth community for all its support but explained that he will be deciding the future of the business over the winter and that he will not be taking any bookings for 2020 until a decision is made.

"Following all the recent issues we have had one meeting with EDDC and have discussed the license and all that it entails and entitles us to do legally," said Guy.

"I have been enlightened as to what the complaints and concerns were and EDDC have made us an offer of how to move forward and have made it very clear what we can and can't do.

"Nothing has been decided, agreed, signed or secured yet and the ball is now very much in my court.

"I am taking my experience of the last seven years and what we do on the beach and how we do it and how I can best continue to do that with the new restrictions etc.

"I will be giving the future of Jurassic serious thought and I will keep you all posted. EDDC have done everything they can and they are just doing their job so that is being respected."

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to not only as I have done already say a most heart felt thank you but also to those who raised concern I would like to apologise.

"To those who feel that Jurassic has in any way 'commercialised' the beach we are sorry as it was never our intention, to those who felt Jurassic was an eyesore we apologise and we will endeavour to work out a new way of running the business that is less intrusive.

"Until a decision is made I will be unable to take any bookings for 2020 or issue any gift vouchers."