The Countryside Alliance has hit out at a "short-sighted and illogical" fishing ban issued by North East Derbyshire District Council, and are encouraging opponents of the ban to sign a petition against it.
Anglers have launched a petition to overturn the ‘bizarre’ decision to ban fishing at the Wingerworth Lido in Chesterfield North East Derbyshire, as part of plans to turn the spot into a “biodiversity hub”.
The move by the local Labour-controlled authority has sparked outrage among local people and anglers who can now be fined up to £2,500 if they use the lake for their sport.
The Change.org petition, ‘Save the Wingerworth Lido’, had already attracted over 1800 signatures in under 48 hours of going live.
Organised by local angler James Duffy- or ‘bigduffs_fishing’ across his social media channels – the petition calls for the reinstatement of fishing rights at the lido ‘so that the community can continue to enjoy and care for this unique and special place’.
It adds: ‘this decision is devastating for countless local anglers, as well as for the angling club that has worked tirelessly to maintain not only the fishing but also the water quality and surrounding land. The Lido has long been more than just a fishing spot – it has been a place of community, friendship, and wellbeing for many people in the area.
‘The council has announced plans to transform the Lido into a "Biodiversity Hub." While we recognise the importance of environmental protection, fishing and conservation have successfully coexisted here for years, with the club ensuring the site was cared for and respected. Removing angling from the Lido disregards the heritage, enjoyment, and countless hours of stewardship provided by its angler’.
A spokesperson for the council has said it recognised the concerns raised by local people but that the ban was "a vital step in promoting the area as a biodiversity hub - a safe space for wildlife to thrive".
Charles Jardine, prominent angler and Fishing for Schools Director at the Countryside Alliance, welcomed the petition and branded the council’s decision “short-sighted and illogical”.
Mr Jardine said:
“I am baffled by this bizarre decision and the extraordinary process by which it has come about. Angling naturally creates ‘biodiversity hubs’ and wildlife thrives thanks to the dedicated efforts of anglers. I sincerely hope the council reach out to genuine conservationists in the angling community, realise their error and reverse the decision quickly”.
The Countryside Alliance argues the activity has a raft of physical and mental health benefits and is growing in popularity thanks to popular TV Shows like Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
The BBC show, which has been running since 2018, features comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, on fishing trips across Britain.
The Countryside Alliance will continue to push against the ban and campaign on behalf of the angling community.