The Environment Agency has funded 30 new fishing platforms at Holden Lane Pools Nature Reserve, in Norton, thanks to anglers who buy rod licences.
Income from the sale of rod licences is used to improve the sport of angling for the future and this is typical of the kind of project that improves facilities for anglers.
The Environment Agency worked with Stoke on Trent City Council, the Potteries Angling Society and local residents, contributing £9000 towards the cost of thirty new fishing platforms and engaging contractors to build them.
Work to build the new platforms began in September 2007 and took four weeks to complete. The new fishing platforms will make access to the pool easier and safer for both anglers and walkers.
Fisheries Officer, Tim Jacklin, says “When we visited to inspect the completed work, we found that anglers were already making good use of the fishing platforms. One angler managed to catch a 24lb carp while we were watching.
“The new platforms will really improve the angling at this pond, as well as keeping rods and lines away from walkers who, up to now, have had to share the path.
“We can only carry out improvements like this because anglers buy rod licences. It is excellent use of rod licence money. All anglers aged 12 years or over must have an Environment Agency rod licence but the money we raise is invested back in the sport to improve it for everyone.”
