Bid to net illegal anglers

TOWN Council officers are set to step up by-law enforcement at the Dunmow town pond after getting reports about illegal fishing activities. Town clerk Owen Wilson told councillors at last Thursday s meeting that members of the public had complained about

TOWN Council officers are set to step up by-law enforcement at the Dunmow town pond after getting reports about illegal fishing activities.

Town clerk Owen Wilson told councillors at last Thursday's meeting that members of the public had complained about anglers catching fish and either killing them or removing them to eat.

Council by-laws governing the Doctors Pond in Great Dunmow, strictly forbids anyone to intentionally kill, injure, take or disturb any animal or fish.

In a report to stunned councillors Mr Wilson said: "The practice of anglers using the pond is to catch fish, hold them in a keep net for a while, weigh and/or photograph it before releasing it.

"We want to ensure that the council by-laws can be enforced to prevent harm to fish by those who want to use the Doctors Pond as a free takeaway."

New signs and regular patrols will now take place and a watchful eye will be kept on Butchers Pond at Parsonage Downs where regular fishing also takes place.

Cllr Gwynn Davies also requested that the council look into costing signs with different languages on them, as it may be a lack of communication that has led to the situation.

Mr Wilson said that there was no evidence to suggest that any foreign nationals were involved.

Cllr Trudi Hughes was disgusted by the reports and urged councillors to act.

She said: "We need to enforce the law without exception, these people who are having carp for supper need to be discouraged.