Anglers reeled in for protest on ban

Anglers from across the country descended on a Midlands town to protest against plans for a fishing ban.

Nearly 200 fishermen flocked to Bewdley, dubbed the 'capital of angling' because of it's historical link to the sport. They came from Liverpool, Manchester, Devon, Norwich and Croydon after an article in the Angling Times advertised the protest yesterday. The publication's deputy editor Greg Whitehead was there.

He travelled all the way from Peterborough to join the protesters.

A campaign to ban fishing along Severn Side South could be introduced if a swan sanctuary is created there.

Owner Jan Harrigan has been holding talks with the Environment Agency and Wyre Forest District Council about creating the sanctuary for swans. But the move would mean banning fishing along the river.

She says that more swans die in Bewdley than in neighbouring towns and blames lead poisoning caused by anglers.

However, protest organiser Tom Rigby, of Bewdley, said that fishermen were treated as second class citizens and there was a lot of lies spread about the sport.

He added: "We haven't used lead shot for 15 years.

"Anglers are always blamed unfairly. This could have come from gunshot or been washed downstream. Tests have not found anything," he went on to say.

Greg Whitehead said: "The district council is saying that they will not ban fishing in the short term. But discussions are still going on and we will have to keep an eye on this. It's important to protect the sport and I'm pleased to see the level of support."

Angler Steve Williams, aged 46 from Bridgnorth, said: "I am here today as I think if this ban happens in Bewdley they could start bringing it in to other towns along the river. Angling is an important sport."

Peter Trueman, aged 38, from Birkenhead, said: "I took extra holiday to come here today as I wanted to make sure I supported the cause. I am a member of Kidderminster Angling Club and I fish here regularly."

Bewdley Mayor, Barbara Stallwood, who is supporting the protest, said to the anglers: "You are our lifeblood. Without you this town will crumble."