Night fishermen are shocked that Deal Pier will be closed from midnight until 8am for the next two Sundays.

Dover District Council blamed the closure on staff shortages and said it was only temporary, but fishermen fear it could become more permanent.

The pier, which held the 2014 British Open Sea Fishing Championship, is a popular fishing location, especially for all-night anglers.

Over the past four years, the council has slowly reduced its opening hours.

Until recently, it was open throughout the night on Fridays, but now Saturday is the only day the service is on offer.

Fisherman Paul Goodburn, 23, who has used the pier for two years, has already felt the impact of its closure.

He said: “Saturday night is the only time I get to night-fish on the pier. Losing this has been of great detriment to me and many others.”

Mr Goodburn said he feared the latest restrictions could become permanent, and that the pier would become fully closed on Saturday nights and the midnight closing time on Friday will be moved back to 6.30pm, in line with other weekdays.

Fisherman John Green agreed. He said: “I’m disappointed. I do night-fishing 20 to 30 times a year, and this time of year is when all the main fish are about.”

Darren Smith said: “The last couple of years they’ve changed the opening hours. The prices are going up by £1.50.

'The best fishing is after dark and that’s when the pier is shut.' - Darren Smith

”The best fishing is after dark and that’s when the pier is shut."

The tackle shops located on Beach Street rely on the fishermen for trade. In recent months, Fred Leach, owner of Channel Angling, has been staying open until 10pm on Saturdays to build up trade.

He said: “I get lots of phone calls from people wanting to order bait for Saturday night, and I have to tell them it’s not all night. They’re very disappointed.

“When I first came here, three and half years ago, there were more fisherman on the pier. As they’ve reduced the hours, they’ve gone elsewhere.

“Instead of promoting the pier, the council are doing the opposite. In my opinion, Deal Pier is the main attraction of the town. It’s a shame it’s not getting the attention it needs.”

A DDC spokesman said: “Unfortunately, due to temporary staff shortages, Deal Pier will be closed from midnight to 8am on Sunday mornings for the remainder of November.

“We are working to address this short-term issue, with a view to the normal winter timetable commencing from December. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”