Anglers threatened by swan sanctuary

Decades of fishing in a Midlands town is under threat from plans to build a new swan sanctuary which it is feared will wipe out the popular tradition there.

Hundreds of anglers from across the country are set to descend on Bewdley to protest against the scheme tomorrow. The plan has also been criticised by traders who say they rely on trade from the fishermen who visit the town during the summer. They fear the move will kill off trade. Protesters will gather at the Civic Space at 11am to discuss their views.

A walk along the bridge will follow the talk at noon and the bridge will be closed to traffic during the demonstration.

Wyre Forest District Council, which owns some fishing areas but not all of them, has said it is unable to introduce any restrictions on its own.

The council has been contacted by swan rescuer Jan Harrigan who complained that more swans were being polluted than in neighbouring towns and wants a no-fishing zone.

Bewdley Mayor, Barbara Stallwood, who is supporting the protest, said: "If we lose the fishermen in Bewdley then we are going to lose a lot of trade.

"If fishing is stopped it will affect the hotels and bed and breakfasts. People won't come to Bewdley if the ban is in place."

However head of property and operational services Andrew Dickens said the council has had a meeting with Jan Harrigan, Environment Agency, and a vet and was now looking through the evidence.

He added: "One option would have been to introduce a no fishing zone and in effect create a swan sanctuary, however, given the limited ownership of fishing rights within Bewdley town centre this could not be introduced by the District Council alone.

"The district council intends, as part of its re-letting procedure, to introduce a considerate fishing policy into its lease arrangements which would require any clubs taking up the fishing rights to regularly ensure that their members comply with the by laws relating to the use of lead weights."