Six-month fishing ban for Stanley Park lake after swans left with wire through necks and infected wounds

A temporary ban on fishing in the Stanley Park lake is to come into force from 1 September.

Blackpool Council has taken the move after a spate of incidents where wildlife have become 'entangled and harmed' in fishing wire.

Pictures passed to The Blackpool Lead by animal rescue charity Brambles Wildlife Rescue show swans with fishing wire through their neck and wounds becoming infected.

Justin Greenhalgh from the wildlife rescue said: "Over the last two years, we have responded to rescue more waterfowl fishing injury casualties, which are currently up to several a week at Stanley Park. We have recently been in consultation with Blackpool Council.

"Although a fishing ban is not the outcome we seek, we strive to protect all wildlife from further injuries and distress until land management, fishing clubs, and bailiffs are introduced.

“Brambles Wildlife Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation, and all such incidents have a high financial impact on our resources along with other wildlife rescue charities and organisations.

“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."

Blackpool Council says the temporary ban is needed as the 'management arrangements' for how fishing permits are given out for use on some areas of the lake is not working.

A spokesperson for the council 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.

“We have listened to the concerns from Brambles Wildlife Rescue and the Friends of Stanley Park, as well as our own staff, and have decided a temporary six-month ban is needed to halt the issues that we are experiencing. This will give us time to carry out a robust review, engaging with all interested parties.

“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.”

Chair of Friends of Stanley Park, Nigel Patterson, said: “The Friends of Stanley Park are in agreement of the importance of this consultation exercise on the lake regarding the fishing. We have already started conversations with officers and will continue to do so until a final decision is made.”

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