A BAN on crabbing has been lifted just two days after The Evening Star revealed it had been imposed.In the light of a mixed public reaction, Suffolk County Council bosses made a swift U-turn and withdrew the ban on crabbing from the Felixstowe Ferry jetty.

A BAN on crabbing has been lifted just two days after The Evening Star revealed it had been imposed.

In the light of a mixed public reaction, Suffolk County Council bosses made a swift U-turn and withdrew the ban on crabbing from the Felixstowe Ferry jetty.

On Thursday The Evening Star revealed how the council had put up a sign prohibiting it - angering families who enjoy the pastime.

And yesterday council officers arrived at the site and removed it.

The council said it has taken the signs down while they review the decision.

Julian Swainson, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: "We are all in favour of health and safety but this was a rather unsubtle outright ban.

"The council's executive would like to have it reconfigured so that we can find some way to address the needs of those who want to go crabbing so that they can do so safely."

He said that although consultation had taken place with the ferry operators and Felixstowe Ferry Forum, some councillors felt the outright ban was too strict.

He added: "We are asking that they consider something a bit more diplomatic and user friendly."

Harbour master John White was in full support of the signs and said he cannot understand the council's decision to remove them.

He said: "I'm disappointed that the council have re-traced their footsteps and appear to have bowed to public pressure.

"There have always been safety issues over people using the jetty for crabbing and I think something does need to be there to warn people.

"It's put the ferry operators in a bit of a difficult position because it's going to be a free for all now. I think the council have let them down."

Do you think crabbing should be allowed at Felixstowe Ferry? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk