Magnet fishing should be a controlled activity

AFTER three years of retirement, I am trying to find new hobbies to follow. With summer approaching I am registering to try metal detecting. I find history interesting and I have permission for 50 acres to try it out.

Then I read something on ‘magnet fishing’ in rivers, canals, lakes and ponds. Not only does it clear the rivers of undesirable objects such as bicycles, shopping trolleys and other metal objects, it also finds discarded weapons etc. that may help police with a past crime of some sort.

With metal detecting there is a registration and insurance fee to pay. There are also guidelines to follow for good practice and safety.

But there seems to be nothing like this for the waterway authorities regarding magnet fishing.

It makes sense to me that this could and should be a controlled activity with registration, insurance and code of practice etc.; charge fees to do it.

It is very good that so much rubbish can be cleared from the rivers. But everything has to be properly disposed of and not left in a pile on the walkways.

It’s been said guns, knives and even bombs and grenades are too dangerous to find, but it’s the same with metal detecting. Notifying the authorities will secure more safety for everyone that passes over the spots.

There are thousands of people now magnet fishing; this will continue, as who can police it properly?

But by controlling it, at least it can become more responsible.

I would rather do it legally than just trying it somewhere without registration.