FISHING could be banned from park lakes for four months of the year to protect wildlife. The move would establish a “closed season” between March and June, when anglers would not be allowed to use Liverpool council-owned waters. Community leaders have come up with the idea in a bid to preserve wildfowl, such as swans and ducks, from injury during the nesting season. They also believe reviving the closed season, which was abolished in the 1970s, would help replenish fish stocks in Liverpool’s most popular lakes. Fishing enthusiasts today gave a mixed reaction, with some saying angling was a proven way of keeping youngsters out of mischief. Councillors will be asked to agree the move at a meeting next week. West Derby councillor Ann Hines proposed the idea after regularly receiving complaints from distressed park users about injured and dead birds. She says it has already won support from experienced anglers, who appreciate the beneficial effect it would have on the number of fish in lakes. Cllr Hines, who visits city parks daily to walk her dog, said: “A huge number of people get great pleasure from taking children to feed ducks and swans in our parks. “Recently, in Newsham Park, I got in a conversation with an elderly lady who was extremely distressed that some cygnets had come to an untimely end. “There was no proof about what had happened, but they were tangled up in fishing line. “We need to ensure birds’ welfare to the best of our ability, because we do not want any more horrendous stories like the swan being shot with a crossbow bolt in Stanley Park. A fisherman with 40 years’ experience told me the best thing we could do is bring back the closed season to reinstall some discipline around the lakes. “It would also give the fish stock a chance to replenish.” The idea also has the support of Cllr Berni Turner, executive member for the environment. She added: “Some anglers said we should introduce a closed season because it would also stop those people who call themselves fishermen from hanging around lakes and causing trouble. “I think we should look at this proposal carefully and listen to those people who have knowledge and experience of fishing.” Angling is currently allowed on lakes in Stanley Park, Newsham Park, Larkhill Park, Croxteth country park, Greenbank Park, Calderstones Park and Millwood local nature reserve. It is also normally permitted in Sefton Park, although it is currently suspended due to regeneration work. nick.coligan@liverpool.com | 
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