ROB HUGHES

Why we must protect park lakes

ISAW A film on YouTube recently made by the two young anglers Carl and Alex Smith, who were reporting the problems encountered at the park lake on Ditchling Common in East Sussex. Thousands of people have fished there over the years and it’s massively important that we have open access to facilities like this, especially in times like these.

Years of neglect by the council meant that the water levels in the lake became dangerously low. Predictably, in the high summer temperatures, there was an oxygen crash and the fish started to die.

If that’s not bad enough, the escalating problem was reported to the council, which did little to help. It fell to a group of local anglers headed by Carl, to save some of the fish. According to Carl, when it was asked about its intentions and responsibilities, the council had responded by stating that ‘its priorities lay elsewhere’.

If this were any other animal, there would be uproar. Can you imagine a field of cattle being allowed to die as a result of having no water? They would be public outrage, prosecutions, and massive repercussions for those responsible. It shouldn’t be any different for fish.

I’ve decided to feature the issue in my TV show. I’ve also written to Becky Shaw, the Chief Executive of East Sussex County Council, asking for an explanation, and have received the expected shrug off. The questions include: Do you really think your handling of this affair was good enough? Is it right that you can sit back and rely on the actions of a group of young anglers to save the fish?

Over to you East Sussex County Council. I’m awaiting a response.