Fishing ban on park lake after birds entangled

Fishing will be suspended at Stanley Park lake in Blackpool for six months

Fishing is to be banned temporarily on a park lake in Lancashire amid fears birds becoming entangled in tackle.

Angling will be suspended at Stanley Park lake in Blackpool for six months from 1 September.

The council said it will allow time for a comprehensive review of fishing on the lake to take place.

Justin Greenhalgh, from Brambles Wildlife Rescue, said over the last two years the charity has been called to the park to help injured water birds "several times a week".

'Not managed effectively'

“We strive to protect all wildlife from further injuries and distress until land management, fishing clubs, and bailiffs are introduced," he said.

“Once Blackpool Council has a land management plan operational, we look forward to working together with the community, for the reduction of all unnecessary fishing injuries to wildlife in Stanley Park.”

A council spokesman said: “Fishing is currently permitted in certain areas of Stanley Park lake, these areas are identified by pegs.

"Over the years, the management arrangements for fishing permits have changed and at the moment it is not managed effectively.

“The temporary ban also allows time for works to the lake in terms of weed clearance, which will also result in fishing tackle being removed.”