Angling and rural campaigners have welcomed a decision by the City of Doncaster Council to reverse a blanket ban on angling at Askern Lake following a short campaign.

On the morning of Monday 24 August 2026, the City of Doncaster Council confirmed to the Countryside Alliance, in writing, that it had taken the “difficult decision” to suspend fishing at Askern Lake, by removing reference to fishing at the lake and for ‘no fishing’ signs to be installed.

However, council officers have now confirmed to local anglers that there is no ban and that the ‘no fishing signs’ have been put on hold until a “multi-agency action plan” has been drawn up.

The decision to prohibit fishing, implemented suddenly by City of Doncaster Council following communications with Askern Town Council regarding concerns over anti-social behaviour and environmental impacts, had sparked significant public outcry. Over 1,200 local residents signed a public petition opposing the ban, while the dedicated Askern Lake fishing Facebook group has more than 6,200 members, highlighting deep-rooted community support for the activity.

Campaigners argued that enforcing a blanket fishing ban during the height of summer deprives local residents, particularly young people, of a healthy outdoor activity recognised by the NHS for its positive impact on mental health and social well-being.

The Countryside Alliance, which promotes angling, has called on the council to urgently work with local stakeholders to ensure fishing remains at the site permanently.

Askern Town Councillor and local angler John Rowley said:

"I, alongside a number of other town councillors, were surprised to learn that the town council had requested a suspension to angling at Askern Lake. Everybody locally knows the huge benefits the activity brings to the local area. As a community, we take pride in the lake and our community. Banning the activity so suddenly, with no public consultation, was a mistake and overzealous. Issues around anti-social behaviour relating to angling, though uncommon, must be tackled in partnership between the relevant authorities. To deprive everybody of access to fishing on the lake is wrong and will only penalise those responsible anglers, rather than tackle any problems".

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, Director of External Affairs at the Countryside Alliance, said:

"Introducing a blanket ban was an extremely drastic approach to trying to fix an issue that can be resolved through dialogue and partnership. Angling and biodiversity go hand in hand with many anglers acting as the primary stewards of lakes and local waterways.

"It is vitally important that local authorities avoid making knee-jerk decisions that can have profound and very damaging consequences for local communities. It’s clear from the huge outcry from local people that fishing is seen as part of Askern’s identity. There is absolutely no justification for curtailing it and the council must ensure it remains at the lake permanently. We will continue to monitor the situation closely".

Prominent national angling campaigner Big Duffs, who had visited the site after being contacted by local anglers on social media said he was worried about the impact a ban would have on young people, saying:

"Angling means a huge deal to many, many people from all walks of life. But it is particularly important that youngsters have access to fishing. It is well documented how much of a positive impact fishing makes to them. Stripping a lake like Askern of fishing rights will hurt those many youngsters who rely on the activity as an escape. For their sake, it was important fishing was reinstated.

"This is what we can achieve when anglers stick together".

The developments at Askern Lake come off the back of a similar defeated ban at the Wingerworth Lido, which took many months to resolve. In that case, North East Derbyshire District Council banned fishing to create a “biodiversity hub” but backed down after huge public outcry and a campaign by the Countryside Alliance, Big Duffs and local anglers.

The City of Doncaster have been contacted to provide further updates.