I
Ian Cloke
Guest
Plans to privatise public fishing ponds in Sheffield are being considered by the city council.
Wiremill Dam, Havelock Dam and ponds in Hillsborough and Crooks Valley would be affected by the move, which the council said would help improve conservation.
But some anglers fear that if the ponds are leased to private clubs, they will no longer be free to use.
The council said there were no plans to introduce charges but any fees would have to be used to improve facilities.
Anglers already have to pay about ?65 per year for a fishing licence.
Active involvement
The council said it had been working with the Environment Agency to create higher standards for users and ensure a better conservation of different ecological species at each site.
During a consultation over which sites should be earmarked for fishing developments, the council said it had received several inquiries from local anglers and fishing clubs who wanted the opportunity to improve their local facilities.
"In order to bring the sites up to a good fishing standard, it was decided to advertise four sites to explore the potential for responsible fishing clubs to become more actively involved," a Sheffield City Council spokesman said.
"Parks and countryside, together with corporate property, are looking through the expressions of interest and will make a decision in due course on whether to progress this," he added.
Wiremill Dam, Havelock Dam and ponds in Hillsborough and Crooks Valley would be affected by the move, which the council said would help improve conservation.
But some anglers fear that if the ponds are leased to private clubs, they will no longer be free to use.
The council said there were no plans to introduce charges but any fees would have to be used to improve facilities.
Anglers already have to pay about ?65 per year for a fishing licence.
Active involvement
The council said it had been working with the Environment Agency to create higher standards for users and ensure a better conservation of different ecological species at each site.
During a consultation over which sites should be earmarked for fishing developments, the council said it had received several inquiries from local anglers and fishing clubs who wanted the opportunity to improve their local facilities.
"In order to bring the sites up to a good fishing standard, it was decided to advertise four sites to explore the potential for responsible fishing clubs to become more actively involved," a Sheffield City Council spokesman said.
"Parks and countryside, together with corporate property, are looking through the expressions of interest and will make a decision in due course on whether to progress this," he added.