Campaigners have urged North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) to “listen to the people” and reinstate angling at the Wingerworth Lido after a consultation seeking public views on its future found a whopping 70% of respondents supporting a return to fishing, the highest of any option available.

The original decision to ban fishing has caused huge backlash from the angling community and residents, who were not consulted about the plans to ban fishing and convert the lake into a ‘biodiversity hub’.  

After sustained pressure from local anglers, supportive councillors and the Countryside Alliance, who argued angling and nature “go hand in hand”, the council agreed to rethink the decision, announcing a consultation which sought public opinion over the future of the lido.

According to NEDDC, the consultation generated an “exceptionally high level of engagement”, with 1,174 people taking part locally and from further afield. Many respondents credited anglers and the Clay Cross Angling Association with maintaining the Lido, supporting biodiversity, and providing social and mental health benefits.

Organisations including the Countryside Alliance and Angling Trust submitted formal responses to the consultation on behalf of their collective members and supporters, with the Trust debunking a number of incorrect claims made about fishing activity and advancing the environmental case for fishing.

The council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee will meet to discuss the consultation responses and review the evidence at a meeting on Monday 8 December 2025. Due to the overwhelming support for angling returning to the lido, campaigners argue it would be a “political catastrophe” to ignore “the views of the people” by not reinstating the activity.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance said:

“The consultation responses have made clear what we all already knew: that angling is supported by the vast bulk people because of the raft of benefits, both social and environmental, that come with it. There was never any justification for banning angling and it’s absolutely vital, in the interest of democracy, that the council listen to the people and reinstate the activity immediately.

"It is demonstrably wrong for the council to continue referring to angling as a ‘divisive’ activity, it is the exact opposite”. 

Commenting on the consultation responses, Wingerworth councillor Ross Shipman (Independent) said:

“One of the strongest messages from the community was the desire to see angling return to the Lido- this is not up for debate. And it’s important to say this: angling and biodiversity can work hand in hand, creating a healthier, sustainable and enjoyable space for local people.

“ The community has made its wishes clear- now its up to the District Council to deliver what residents have asked for and facilitate conversations with all groups to allow angling and improve wildlife across the site”.

Local angler James Duffy (‘Big Duffs Fishing’ on social media) who established an online petition to oppose the angling ban which attracted over 5,500 signatures said:

“Sometimes you need shout to be heard. Throughout this entire process, the angling community have only asked for dialogue and understanding. Angling does such a huge amount to enhance biodiversity, while also providing many people, including a growing number of youngsters, with a positive, peaceful outlet to relax and unwind. The mental health benefits are well documented and it’s an activity the council should be actively encouraging and promoting, not restricting”.

Local resident, angler and businessman Dominic Webb said:

“By definition, the public have given the Council a clear and unambiguous mandate to reinstate fishing without delay. The many spurious allegations against the club and angling as a national pastime are entirely discredited and the Council cannot overturn the binding views of the Police or the Environment Agency in these matters, not matter how loud a misguided few shout. Like everyone, I look forward to reading the environment scrutiny committees recommendations that must include fishing being restored. The alternative is the council proceeding against the wishes of the vast majority of the public and on a legal unsound basis”.

In justifying the decision originally, the council claimed they had a received ‘a number of complaints’ regarding Wingerworth Lido over recent years, some of which were directly related to fishing activities carried out by the angling club.  

After querying the ‘complaints’ using the Freedom of Information Act, the council was forced to confirm to the Countryside Alliance that of the three ‘formal complaints’ made over a period spanning two and a half years, none were upheld.