FISHERMEN are weighing up the results of their efforts after successfully angling for cash to improve a Brandlesholme nature spot.

Members of the Ramsbottom Angling Association landed a £7,000 catch from landfill tax distributors Hanson Trust to breathe life into Crown Pools, off Brandlesholme Road.

They have used the money to restore overflow weirs at the two ponds opposite Woodhill Estate, and have had built stone paths around the site.

The pool bed of the lower pond has also been raised to allow bullrushes and sedges to be planted in the water, attracting insects and birds.

Anglers donated a further £1,000 towards the scheme, with some of the pathway and levelling work undertaken for free by contractors Link-Up Telecommunications.

The land was bought by the association six years ago.

Native trees have previously been planted at the site, including hawthorn, birch and crab apple, with safety work on the dam also carried out. Disabled access is now planned.

The site was visited earlier this month by Bury North MP David Chaytor, ward councillor Ray Watts and Caroline Downey, executive director of the Mersey Basin Trust which helped with the bid.

Association secretary Arthur Metcalfe said: "As far as we're concerned, the site is not finished yet but it is really beginning to look the business.

"We have done everything to regenerate the site in an environmentally friendly way."