Skegness Magazine

1964 – GASSING of rabbits warrens in the sand dunes from Princes Parade to Seacroft Lagoon, to be carried out for Skegness Council as a pest control measure, will end on 28th February, the Council was assured on Wednesday. This is to ensure that “what slight risk there is ” will not be present at a time when visitors could be expected.
Although the warning period on official notices put up by the Council extends to 21st March, there will not in fact be any gassing operations at all in March. The longer period was stipulated because the Council is exercising the greatest possible care, says the clerk (Mr. Milton Turner).

Coun. F. A. Wise drew attention to the 28th February “deadline” by a notice of motion. It called on the Council to ask newspapers that had published a statement “attributed to the secretary of the S.E. Lindsey Wood Pigeon and Rabbit Clearance Society” to give equal prominence to the fact that operations would end long before the season. The holiday public would have “free and safe access to the area,” said Coun. Wise.
Admitting that the resolution of the committee dealing with the matter was “slightly ambiguous” in stating that the society would be paid twenty pounds for work up to 28th February, Coun. Wise said this did not mean they would be paid other sums at other times.
‘ALL OVER’
It certainly did not mean that they would be allowed to operate in summer. A letter to them from the Council had mentioned 21st March, but this was far too near Easter, and it had been agreed no work should be carried on after 28th February.
“I am quite satisfied there was no intention of causing any alarm, either by the person making the statement that work would be carried out at various’ times during the year, or by the Press in printing it,” Coun. Wise added. “However, concern nas been caused, and we want potential visitors especially to know it will all be over when they get here.”
Coun. D. R. Hudson supported Coun. Wise, and claimed that Press reports had been inaccurate in that they had “referred to the work being done in the summer season ”
The Surveyor (Mr. H. M. Cooper) said the risk of harm to humans or pets was in fact very remote. In its anxiety to cover itself against any liability, the Council had unfortunately created a wrong impression.
Coun. Hudson called on the Director of Foreshore, Entertainment and Publicity, Mr. W. G. Bosworth, for his view. Said Mr Bosworth : “Unfortunately, the agent you employed did say what he was reported as saying so we cannot blame the Press saying that. With all respect, the Council has itself created this storm in a teacup…”

1964