Post by highplains on May 8, 2007 19:48:51 GMT
The following post is currently running on the sea trout forum that Hoppy moderates.
Please take a minute to read it an comment.
Regards.
Highplains
When the subject of lack of EAW enforcement was first discussed on the forum, it was in the context of a threat to our fish stocks from illegal anglers and poachers and not as a threat to legitimate anglers.
With regret, I have to report that this lack of EAW presence on our river has created a monster of a problem. A problem that could jeopardise our sport and one of wales' largest angling clubs.
Over the past few weeks the level of illegal anglers on the River Ogmore has created a dangerous situation. Almost a day hasn't gone past without calls to our club bailiffs from concerned members.
In the past few weeks we have dealt with gangs illegally fishing with spinners and bread, 'travellers' turning up pilfering our fish and almost every tom, Dick and harry without a licence turning up on the ogmore, some from many miles away.
To get the EA to respond is impossible. The police have assisted on several occasions.
This weekend must be classed as the straw that broke the camel's back. On friday a member fled the river in fear of his life after being pelted with rocks by 7 illegal anglers. He did not even challenge them.
Saturday night resulted in a member calling the police after a gang of 'travellers' turned up.
Today - well what can i say! one of our junior members was threatened. A member with learning difficulties was told that his vehicle would be 'done over' next time they saw him. Myself - well i narrowly missed being assaulted by 4 men whilst walking my dog! i was chased form the scene whilst my vehicle was subjected to foot marks!
Six hours later, i am still awaiting a response from EAW and the police!
The lack of bailiffs on our river has created anarchy on our rivers! Sorry, but never mind the fish, I am more concerned about the lives and safety of our members.
This is a sad indictment of EAW. Little be known to them they have created a 'dire' situation on welsh rivers.
Wynne Griffiths
Secretary - Ogmore Angling Association
Please take a minute to read it an comment.
Regards.
Highplains
When the subject of lack of EAW enforcement was first discussed on the forum, it was in the context of a threat to our fish stocks from illegal anglers and poachers and not as a threat to legitimate anglers.
With regret, I have to report that this lack of EAW presence on our river has created a monster of a problem. A problem that could jeopardise our sport and one of wales' largest angling clubs.
Over the past few weeks the level of illegal anglers on the River Ogmore has created a dangerous situation. Almost a day hasn't gone past without calls to our club bailiffs from concerned members.
In the past few weeks we have dealt with gangs illegally fishing with spinners and bread, 'travellers' turning up pilfering our fish and almost every tom, Dick and harry without a licence turning up on the ogmore, some from many miles away.
To get the EA to respond is impossible. The police have assisted on several occasions.
This weekend must be classed as the straw that broke the camel's back. On friday a member fled the river in fear of his life after being pelted with rocks by 7 illegal anglers. He did not even challenge them.
Saturday night resulted in a member calling the police after a gang of 'travellers' turned up.
Today - well what can i say! one of our junior members was threatened. A member with learning difficulties was told that his vehicle would be 'done over' next time they saw him. Myself - well i narrowly missed being assaulted by 4 men whilst walking my dog! i was chased form the scene whilst my vehicle was subjected to foot marks!
Six hours later, i am still awaiting a response from EAW and the police!
The lack of bailiffs on our river has created anarchy on our rivers! Sorry, but never mind the fish, I am more concerned about the lives and safety of our members.
This is a sad indictment of EAW. Little be known to them they have created a 'dire' situation on welsh rivers.
Wynne Griffiths
Secretary - Ogmore Angling Association
