I
Ian Cloke
Guest
MORE than 200 dead fish have been found in a popular Newton fishing spot.
Anglers were shocked to make the grim discovery in Sankey Brook off Common Road which runs through Sankey Valley Park and into the River Mersey.
Chub up to 3lb in weight, 1lb roach and perch were lost with fisherman reporting seeing dozens and dozens of floating fish from as far as Parr down to Alder Lane. Following a heavy downpour it is possible toxic waste poured into the brook from a culvert close to Wharf Road.
Eddie Marcroft, of Newton-le-Willows Anglers Association, said: "This should not be happening in this day and age. It keeps happening and you never hear of anyone being brought to book over these incidents."
Fisherman have reported fewer fish in popular angling spots across Newton and St Helens in recent weeks.
It is possible that the fish have gone into a second breeding session which has compounded the problem together with the very low water levels and poor quality of water.
The Penkford Bridge canal stretch at Common Lane is normally full of fish but catches have been few and far between recently. Eddie, who expects Sankey Brook to make a recovery, added: "I would appeal to members of the public not to empty fish into established fisheries from their domestic ornamental garden ponds. The spread of disease is all too easy and can have a devastating affect on the existing fish stocks."
An Environment Agency spokesman said: "The incident was reported to us four days after it had happened. Unfortunately, because of the length of time between the incident happening and our staff being notified, it was impossible to determine the cause.
"Anyone who witnesses what they believe is a pollution incident should contact the Environment Agency as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60."
Anglers were shocked to make the grim discovery in Sankey Brook off Common Road which runs through Sankey Valley Park and into the River Mersey.
Chub up to 3lb in weight, 1lb roach and perch were lost with fisherman reporting seeing dozens and dozens of floating fish from as far as Parr down to Alder Lane. Following a heavy downpour it is possible toxic waste poured into the brook from a culvert close to Wharf Road.
Eddie Marcroft, of Newton-le-Willows Anglers Association, said: "This should not be happening in this day and age. It keeps happening and you never hear of anyone being brought to book over these incidents."
Fisherman have reported fewer fish in popular angling spots across Newton and St Helens in recent weeks.
It is possible that the fish have gone into a second breeding session which has compounded the problem together with the very low water levels and poor quality of water.
The Penkford Bridge canal stretch at Common Lane is normally full of fish but catches have been few and far between recently. Eddie, who expects Sankey Brook to make a recovery, added: "I would appeal to members of the public not to empty fish into established fisheries from their domestic ornamental garden ponds. The spread of disease is all too easy and can have a devastating affect on the existing fish stocks."
An Environment Agency spokesman said: "The incident was reported to us four days after it had happened. Unfortunately, because of the length of time between the incident happening and our staff being notified, it was impossible to determine the cause.
"Anyone who witnesses what they believe is a pollution incident should contact the Environment Agency as soon as possible on 0800 80 70 60."