Fishing is set to return to a popular Derbyshire fishing pond after the council reviewed its decision following a public outcry.

North East Derbyshire District Council and Clay Cross Angling Association have reached a short term agreement allowing for angling to return to Wingerworth Lido.

This comes after the council refused to prolong the angling’s club fishing licence at the pond last June in a bid to transform the lake into a biodiversity hub, effectively leaving anglers with no fishing rights.

The decision caused an outcry with anglers and many residents disappointed in the council’s move.

Pictured right to left: Victoria Vernon, Council Officer, Cllr Jayne Barry, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Cllr Nigel Barker, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Bill Parkin, Chairman of Clay Cross Angling Association, Mark Egerton, Angling Trust, Hollie Fisher, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Andy Parkin, Clay Cross Angling Association.

placeholder image — Pictured right to left: Victoria Vernon, Council Officer, Cllr Jayne Barry, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Cllr Nigel Barker, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Bill Parkin, Chairman of Clay Cross Angling Association, Mark Egerton, Angling Trust, Hollie Fisher, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Andy Parkin, Clay Cross Angling Association.

A petition for fishing to return to the pond gathered over 5000 signatures and a consultation seeking public views on the future of Wingerworth Lido saw 70% of respondents supporting the return to angling.

The new short term licence has been agreed with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Angling Trust.

Bill Parkin, Chairman of Clay Cross Angling Association, said: “For over 25 years our members have put their heart and soul into caring for Wingerworth Lido, and it is fantastic that we can now put the past few months behind us and local people can once again enjoy fishing at this beautiful place.

"The public support we received in the recent consultation was tremendous and we are looking forward to working in partnership with NEDDC, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the local community to make Wingerworth Lido a place for everyone to enjoy.”

North East Derbyshire District Council refused to prolong the Clay Cross angling’s club fishing licence at the pond in June last year, effectively leaving anglers with no fishing rights.

Jamie Cook, CEO of the Angling Trust added: “We appreciate that the council has wider biodiversity objectives for Wingerworth Lido but these are in no way incompatible with sensibly managed recreational fishing.

"We have offered our assistance to both the club and council in organising community events at the Lido to introduce more people to the joys of fishing and to help them engage with nature.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Cllr Nigel Barker said the council had listened carefully to residents, local groups and expert organisations to find a practical way forward.

He added: "We have agreed a short term arrangement that supports biodiversity improvement while recognising the long standing value of angling as a positive community activity.”

The council will shortly begin ecological surveys at Wingerworth Lido to set out a long term approach to increasing biodiversity at the site.

This work will also inform any future fishing licence.