01/03/2006 - Young and
disabled anglers will soon be able to fish
safely in the waters at Burcroft Ponds thanks
to a £10,000 grant from the Environment
Agency. Working in partnership with the
Rotherham and District United Anglers Federation
on the ponds at Conisbrough near Doncaster,
the Environment Agency has installed a connecting
boardwalk, 15 safe angling platforms and
four wheelchair access points.
The 15 safe angling platforms were funded
by the Anglers Federation, and the overall
aim of the scheme is to make fishing at
the Ponds accessible to everyone.
The platforms and boardwalk are constructed
from recycled plastic and connected to a
new parking area, which has been constructed
by the Anglers Federation, who have now
taken over responsibility for the site.
Jerome Masters, a fisheries technical officer
for the Environment Agency, explains: “Fishing
is a great relaxing fresh-air pastime and
we want to make sure everyone of all ages,
backgrounds and abilities has the chance
to enjoy it.
“The Government has recognised the social
benefits of angling and the Environment
Agency has set national targets to encourage
people into the sport. There are many social
benefits, and we’ve found it’s very useful
in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour,
youth offending.
“The provision of accessible fishing platforms
will enable more people, including those
with disabilities, to enjoy the area, and
the overall site improvement is a great
example of partnership working.”
The Environment Agency is the leading organisation
for protecting and improving the
environment in England and Wales. It is
responsible for making sure that air, land
and water are looked after by today’s society,
so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a
cleaner, healthier world.
