Grandparents joined teenagers last night to show their anger at a new bylaw banning kite buggies and kite boards from the beach at Goring.

Following our report on Wednesday of the ban imposed at Goring Greensward, a dozen enthusiasts met Coun David Marchant to discuss the new measures.

Worthing Borough Council imposed the ban after several accidents and near misses, fearing someone could be seriously injured.

There has been a rapid growth in the numbers taking up the sport, using a huge kite to power a skateboard or wheeled buggy.

Kite buggy enthusiast Patrick Webster said: "The meeting went very well and we feel we got our views across.

"We don't think the council did enough research before making the new bylaw. We don't think they realise how safe the sport is and how in control we are."

Coun Marchant said he was impressed after listening to the enthusiasts' views.

He said: "I was as shocked by the new bylaw as they were. I didn't know anything about it until the signs went up.

"I don't think its fair that they are being penalised in this way. They are a responsible group of people of all ages who enjoy the sport.

"They belong to kiting associations and monitor themselves. They said to me they don't know of any accidents and I have to say I have never had any complaints about them.

"I will be taking this up with the council and finding out who took the decision to ban the sport."