The Environment Agency is building five new fishing platforms at Castleford, as part of its ongoing regeneration project in the West Yorkshire town.
Five fishing platforms, on the north bank of the River Aire, are being constructed from recycled plastic ‘timbers’ from Fletcher Contracting in Halifax, which are a sustainable, low maintenance, longer lasting alternative to wood.
The platforms are part of an initiative to clean up the river, improving water quality and biodiversity of the River Aire corridor.
Working with Groundwork Wakefield, Castleford Riverside Community Group, British Waterways and Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, the Castleford Regeneration Project aims to reconnect the people of Castleford with the river.
By working with project partners and the local community, the Environment Agency aims to make the River Aire an asset for the people of Castleford.
Darren Starkey, environment management team leader at the Environment Agency said: “The platforms provide safe access to the rivers for anglers, and will be used to encourage angling as an accessible sport in the community.
“There are many social benefits to angling and we aim to help more people enjoy the simple pleasures of going fishing. We hope that this project will pave the way for more fishing platforms on the river in future.â€
The five platforms coincide with the new coarse fishing season that starts on June 16. The platforms will be up and running for the Castleford Riverside Festival on Saturday 1 July and Sunday 2 July.
