VISITORS to Penarth Pier have voiced confusion over a seemingly a flagrant breach of local law by fishermen casting their lines from the pier in direct contravention of the prominently displayed "No Fishing" notices.

One local resident, who not to be named, said: “How can they blatantly disregard the signs and get away with it like that? It’s bizarre.”

Another said: “I’m mystified by it. Surely it isn’t right.”

However the Vale of Glamorgan Council have confirmed that prohibition on fishing from the popular pier spot actually only applies during the summer months of June, July and August.

The rest of the year fishing is permitted but restricted to the end of the pier - where anglers have been taking full advantage of big tides and the recent sunny weather.

"A fishing ban exists on Penarth Pier during the summer months of June, July and August only,” said Miles Punter, head of visible services at the local authority.

“The ban was implemented after a fishing weight struck a member of the public which caused them personal injury.

"The ban is intended to protect public safety during the pier's busiest months, when the Balmoral and the Waverley undertake their annual visits and when the pier has large numbers of visitors enjoying the school summer holidays. Since the ban was introduced, there have been no further accidents."