A DOCK company is standing firm on its decision to ban anglers from an east Durham pier.

Fishermen have used the North Pier, at Seaham, for years, but the Seaham Dock Company plans to stop issuing fishing licences from January 1.

The firm is moving to free up land for a housing and leisure development and says the multi-million pound project will create access problems.

The move has angered Seaham Sea Angling Club, which has launched a petition, signed by more than 1,000 people, calling on the company to think again.

The club has fished from the site since it was formed in 1912, but fears its days will be numbered if the ban comes to fruition.

Mervyn Blades, of the dock company, said there could be no compromise.

He said safety was one of the considerations behind the move and the firm was not "having a go" at the fishermen.

He rejected a suggestion that the company should provide a gate for club members only, saying it could cost up to £70,000 to install and police.

The club, which has about 600 members, is rallying support from councillors and MPs.

Spokesman Norman Conn said yesterday that the company's "no compromise" stand was making the club more determined to fight the ban.