NEIL Lofthouse (Letters, April 21) seems to be a well balanced character, having a chip on each shoulder in his obvious hatred of the angler.

I have never been of the angling fraternity, but I do know that they are the largest participation sport in the UK. Common sense tells us that their natural element is by the water -- and they pay for the privilege, the cyclist is at his best on the open road, where, for him, all is free.

Mr Lofthouse's treatise on the dimensions of fishing rods when "he was a lad" is irrelevant. When "I was a lad" in the 1920s and 1930s, three activities were illegal on the canal towpaths -- throwing stones, cycling and swimming.

Our local bobby was strict, but I confess to have committed the latter offence many times on hot days. The cyclist would meet his match in the form of a pipe-smoking lady at the helm of a passing barge, while the plodding nag with the tow-rope would further discourage him.

By their very nature, I consider that the two activities will never be compatible in the same environment.

To support my statement, may I remind readers of a recent report in your newspaper about a lady on the towpath who was knocked into the water by a "hit and run" cyclist. She would have probably lost her life but for the courage of a young girl.

I have yet to hear of a cyclist being drowned by a demented angler.

GEORGE LEE, Rook Street, Nelson.