A towering 2-metre fence being constructed around a lake at a Cheshire country park has sparked fury among visitors, likening the new appearance of the site to a “prison” or a “zoo.”
The Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society, which holds ownership of both the water and surrounding banks at Astbury Mere Country Park in Congleton, is responsible for erecting the controversial barrier.
According to the Astbury Mere Trust, which manages the remainder of the park, the structure has provoked widespread condemnation.
“We have received many letters of outrage as to what is happening to our country park. Many refer to it as now looking like a prison or a zoo,” a trust spokesman said.
The angling society maintains the fence became necessary due to ongoing problems with alcohol consumption, swimming and rubbish at the site.
The trust claims the angling society developed its plans without any prior discussion with park authorities, only arranging a meeting with trustees once building work had already commenced.
“They basically said it’s their land and they can do on it what they want,” the spokesman added.
The controversy struck Astbury Mere Country Park in Congleton, Cheshire
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CONGLETON TOWN COUNCIL
Opposition has been substantial, with a petition placed at the park’s café gathering hundreds of signatures from concerned visitors.
Even members of the fishing community have expressed displeasure, with some anglers reportedly remarking “on how awful it looked”.
Regular visitor Carol Scott acknowledged the concerns raised by the angling society, but remained critical of the barrier’s visual impact.
She told the LDRS: “I know the anglers say there are problems, especially at night, but it doesn’t look great, and in places it makes it hard to see the waters”.
Fellow park user Julia Norman offered a more measured response, suggesting she understood the motivation behind the decision whilst questioning the approach taken.
“I wouldn’t say I’m over the moon about it but what can you do?” she said.
Ms Norman added that the angling society “went about it the wrong way,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many who accept the underlying issues, but feel the organisation failed to engage properly with the wider community before proceeding.
Roger Watts, chairman of the angling society, defended the decision as a necessary response to antisocial behaviour that had plagued the site for years.
“When the sun comes out, the idiots come out, unfortunately,” he said.
He described how warm weather brought crowds of sunbathers, drinkers and swimmers who occupied the banks, preventing anglers from accessing their fishing spots and responding with abuse when asked to move on.
Mr Watts explained how the society had tolerated these difficulties for an extended period, before finally reaching a financial position where action became possible.
“If we don’t do something, we’re going to start losing anglers and the lake is owned by the angling club,” he said.
“You’re stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. We have a duty of care to anglers while they are fishing.”
