Anglers urged to 'make their voice heard' on lido

Wingerworth Lido was auctioned off during World War Two and returned into council hands

Anglers are being urged to "make their voice heard" over a council's plan to stop fishing at a popular lake and turn the area into a "biodiversity hub".

In June, North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) chose not to renew a five-year fishing licence for Wingerworth Lido, near Chesterfield, which left anglers without the right to fish at the lake.

Martin Salter, head of policy at the Angling Trust, said he was "shocked" Clay Cross Angling Association had been denied an extension on their lease.

But after pressure from anglers in the area, the council has now launched a wider review and a consultation which is set to run until 23 November.

Mr Salter said without a managed angling presence, public waters such as "often become vulnerable to poaching, littering, and antisocial behaviour" and the angling club has worked hard to tackle those issues over the years.

"This is a venue loved by everyone in the community, the club has looked after the water very well and they've introduced a lot of children to angling," he said.

"We were very sorry to hear this news but the excuse given to get rid of the anglers because of a biodiversity hub.

"We can't let the principle stand that a nature reserve is incompatible with nature friendly sport like angling."

Martin Salter has urged anglers in Derbyshire to have their say on the future use of Wingerworth Lido

Mr Salter said a lot of angling clubs up and down the country leased bodies of water from nature reserves which improved the aquatic environment.

The Angling Trust has lobbied NEDDC and helped with a petition - launched by Chesterfield angler James Duffy - which garnered more than 5,000 signatories.

"The public consultation is under way and we are urging and we're encouraging all of our members in the Derbyshire area to support the angling club and to tell the council we want to see fishing back at Wingerworth," Mr Salter said.

North East Derbyshire District Council said the matter has been referred for review through the council's environment scrutiny committee who will report on their findings in due course.

A council spokesperson said: "We want your views to help shape the future of Wingerworth Lido.

"Your feedback will inform decisions about how the site is managed, what activities are supported, and how we can best balance recreation, heritage, and biodiversity."