A campaign to ban fishing along the river in Bewdley in order to protect swans has been criticised by a government minister. It follows a protest at the weekend by more than 200 anglers in the town.

Labour’s Parliamentary spokesman for angling, Martin Salter, said he was against any ban which is being called for by the Swan Rescue Centre at Wychbold.

Owner Jan Harrigan has held talks with the Environment Agency and Bewdley Town Council about creating a new sanctuary. Bewdley Town Council will discuss the issue on June 30.

She claims more swans die there than in neighbouring towns and blames lead poisoning caused by tackle left behind by fishermen.

Mr Salter, MP for Reading West, said councillors in the town in favour of a ban were being influenced by speculation rather than fact.

He has sent a message of support for the anglers from across the country who attended Sunday’s protest.

He said: “As the Government’s angling spokesman I find it very disappointing that a handful of town councillors are seeking to ban anglers from pursuing Britain’s most popular participant sport along a public stretch of the River Severn.

“They appear to have taken against angling in response to objections based on hearsay rather than scientific or factual evidence.

“I have worked well with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and other conservation charities in the interests of both bird-lovers and fishermen.

“There is no need for conflict as both depend upon the existence of a healthy aquatic environment.”