Epsom Borough Council Reel in Illegal Anglers

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council reel in illegal anglers

The police, the Surrey Fire Service, Epsom and Ewell Borough CouncilRangers and the Environment Agency are working together to catch theculprits in a zero tolerance initiative.

A spokesman for Epsom Council said:

“These anglers regularly flaunt the closed fishing season rules at our Stew Pond site on Epsom Common, and the bye-laws at our other sites which contain ponds or waterways.”

The Stew Ponds on Epsom Common is the only site within the borough ofEpsom and Ewell where fishing is allowed, although this is onlypermissible under stringent regulations.

As part of a site of specific scientific interest, the Stew Pond has aclosed fishing season that runs from midnight March 14 to June 16.

During this period no fishing is allowed on the pond under anycircumstances.

At other times of year, fishing is permitted but only if the anglerholds a rod licence and has paid for a day or season fishing permitthrough the council’s contractor CALPAC.

Fishing outside these conditions carries a fine through the EnvironmentAgency.

The spokesman added:

“Fishing on any other pond or waterway within the borough of Epsom and Ewell is not tolerated at any time of year and is contrary to our bye-laws.

“Sadly these illegal ‘fisherman’ are not responsible people and bringdown the reputation of anglers who abide by the rules and regulations.

“It is in all our interests to combat these illegal fishing activitiesas they are often and all too sadly accompanied by other antisocialpractises such as alcohol consumption, illegal and potentially dangerousfires, excess littering and rude and aggressive behaviour.”