PAC secures access event in Northants

The PAC has secured privileged access to a complex of private lakes in Northamptonshire, along with a stretch of the River Nene.

There are three lakes of 38, 18 and 5.5 acres, along with 1.5 miles of river, events organiser Mark Skinner said today.

"For the first event in December, we will have the whole complex which is set in 100 acres of land. The second event in early March will be on the 18 acre lake.

"It will be 3 -rods, live baits allowed if caught on site, no other bait bans and no other restrictions.

"Secure parking and in some swims members are allowed to park behind there swims and there is also good disabled access."

Members will be allowed to bivvy up and might even be allowed to arrive on the Friday night, in readiness for the weekend.

For more details see the forthcoming Pikelines.

Public meeting over Roswell Pits marina

Plans to turn Roswell Pits into a marina will be discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday.

The famed predator water on the outskirts of Ely, Cambs, has been bought by businessman Jeremy Tyrrell, who wants to re-open disused moorings to create a haven for narrowboats.

But anglers and conservationists are fearful of the impact the plan could have on the lakes, which are connected to the Great Ouse at Foremill Wash.

Now a group called Local Campaigners for the Protection of Rural Ely (LCPRE) is holding a public meeting to discuss the future of the venue.

Mr Tyrrell is already in a stand-off with Ely Sailing Club over access to Roswell, which is also boat fished by pike and zander anglers.

Dr Andrew Balmford, a member of LCPRE, told the Cambridge Evening News: "We have not had a public debate on the future of the site, so we are creating a forum to begin initiating that."

Campaigners are meeting at the City of Ely Community College at 8pm. For further details, call Dr Sarah Hall on 07791 512296.

***How the controversy unfolded - click here. For coverage in local paper the Ely Standard click here.

Government rejects canoeists' calls

Canoeists' calls for the right to paddle along any river were rejected when the Government threw out a Ten Minute Rule Bill on access to inland waterways.

Anglersnet has the story, click here for more.

Canoeists' access petition launched

Canoeists have launched an online petition in their bid for free access to Britain's rivers, canals and waterways.

An article on the website of the british Canoe Union (BCU) says: "The BCU’s Rivers Access Campaign is calling for legislation similar to the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003.

"The Act establishes and codifies a statutory right of responsible access to land and inland water for recreation and education purposes; to protect the environment, rights and activities of all canoeists, anglers, other outdoor users and landowners in relation to access. Everyone is required to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code that supports the Act. The Act has been successfully implemented in Scotland and could be adapted to apply to England and Wales.

"Canoe and kayaking is the fastest growing watersport for the fifth year running and access to waterways would help us achieve our and the government’s objectives in many areas. Increased access would provide more recreational and sporting canoe and kayaking activities, helping the country get healthier and fitter, it also gives people of all ages and abilities opportunities to learn a skill.

"With the London 2012 Games in the not too distant future, this is the time to be opening up rivers, to give us the same prospects that Europe and the rest of the world have.

"Canoe and kayaking does not harm the environment, the canoe leaves no trace, no footprints, no noise. In fact it does quite the opposite; paddlers tend to respect and want to preserve nature. Furthermore, studies have proven that canoe and kayaking does not disturb fishing (Effects of Canoeing on Fish Stocks and Angling – Research and Development Technical Report by the Environment Agency W266).

More here.

MPs debate canoe access bid

Canoeists are trying to hitch a ride on the back of the Government's health agenda to obtain increased access to Britain's rivers.

The Public Access to Inland Waters Bill 2007, presented on behalf of the Rivers Access Campaign by Brighton MP Des Turner, has its second reading on February 23.

Paul Owen, chief executive of the the british Canoe Union said: “Opening up rivers would help the BCU achieve its sporting and recreational aims. Greater access would also enable us to assist in reaching the Government’s aims for outdoor educational, participation in physical activity and the health agenda.”

Anglers have reservations about allowing canoeists increased access to rivers - especially as many appear to expect to access the same waters as Rod Licence holding anglers for free.

Click here for more.