Brand new ‘access for all’ angling platforms built by the Environment Agency at Wyberton High Bridge, Boston have been recognised for their excellence by a top angling charity. The accessible platforms, which were officially opened in August this year, are managed by Boston and District Angling Association, who were given a Gold Award by the British Disabled Angling Association at the Dreamstore Active Awards. Dreamstore is a charity which supports social inclusion, education and conservation through fishing. The platforms were funded and built by the REEL project, part of the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership, funded by Lincolnshire County Council, the European Regional Development Fund and the Environment Agency. Led by the Environment Agency, the REEL project aims to enhance rivers and drains in Lincolnshire for angling and quiet recreation, provide habitat improvements for wildlife and encourage people to try the sport of angling. The awards were chosen by a panel of access and disability officers within the British Disabled Angling Association. To gain a Gold Award the Wyberton High Bridge site had to meet a number of stringent criteria including wheelchair friendly access with safe surfaces and a lack of obstacles, nearby car parking and a good range of fish species to catch. The landscaping and upkeep of the area is also taken into account, and the panel is particularly keen on outreach programmes that encourage the development of beginner anglers including those from schools and community groups. Terry Moseley Chairman of the BDAA commented: ‘Thanks to the new accessible platforms at Wyberton, the Boston and District Angling Association met enough of the criteria for it to be awarded the ‘Gold’ standard. ‘The new accessible platforms are an excellent asset to the club, and to Boston itself.’ Brian Balderson of the Boston and District Angling Association, accompanied by Amanda Jenkins, REEL project officer for the Environment Agency, was presented with the award by Terry Moseley at a gala awards ceremony at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth. Brian commented: ‘The Boston and District Angling Association was delighted to be associated with the development, it has made a big difference to our members and it’s always in use. Most of the credit should go to Amanda Jenkins of the REEL project for her tireless work to get the project off the ground.’ Another beneficiary of the REEL project, Fen Lake Fisheries in Metheringham, was presented with a silver award at the ceremony. The fishing lake was given six accessible fishing platforms by the REEL project in exchange for over 500 free coaching sessions for young and disabled anglers. |
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