01/06/06
WINDERMERE,
AMBLESIDE and DISTRICT ANGLING ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
PROBLEMS AT GRASMERE AND RYDAL A
minority of anglers are causing an increasing number of problems on Grasmere and
Rydal, two well known pike venues in the Lake District. Fires, overnight camping,
damage to woodland, drystone walls and fences and large amounts of litter to name
but a few. Repeated instances of permit and rod licence evasion are also of great
concern. Both fisheries
are controlled by Windermere, Ambleside and District Angling Association (WADAA)
who offer access to much of the lake shore through agreements with the National
Trust, the Lake District National Park Authority and private landowners. The Association
is concerned that the poor behaviour of a small number of anglers could well put
at risk the current open access to both of these important waters. Following
a meeting this week of all the parties involved in the management of the two lakes
a spokesman for WADAA made it clear that the situation must improve. "It
is a great pity that yet again a small minority of irresponsible anglers create
major problems for everyone else. The Association makes every effort to provide
access and good fishing not only for our members but also for the large number
of visitors to the area. However if we are unable to resolve the current issues
we may have no option but to restrict access. This would be a last resort and
we hope that our regular visitors will support our efforts to 'clean up' these
two excellent pike fisheries." WADAA
are to improve the signage around both lakes, increase the number of permit agents
and improve the publicity about the agreements that govern access to each lake.
In addition more frequent patrols by EA Bailiffs and Police will be aimed at stamping
out rod licence and permit evasion. In
particular visitors will be reminded that night fishing, fires and camping are
strictly prohibited at both fisheries - and that not all of the shoreline has
access, stretches of private land are clearly defined. Permits
are readily available at £5 day, £10 week and £30 season. These
can be obtained from agents in Grasmere Village (Newsagents, Post Office) and
at other outlets locally (see below). E-permits are even available from WADAA's
own website, www.lakedistrictfishing.net,
which includes full details of the access to both Grasmere and Rydal and the available
fishing.
Permit
Agents Grasmere and Rydal
Barneys News Box, Grasmere - Open 7.00am - 6.00pm (9.00am Sundays)
Waterhead
Marine (Waterhead Nr Ambleside) - 9.00am -5.00pm every day.
Ings Filling
Station (between Staveley and Windermere) - 7.00am -10.00pm every day.
| 
NEWS