ANGLERS have joined in protests over the proposed right-to-roam legislation.

Fishermen attended a meeting of the local pressure group, Pendle Action for the Countryside (PAC), to express their fears.

PAC press officer Shirley Whiteley said the anglers, representing clubs in Pendle, Burnley and further afield, had become increasingly concerned at threats to the future of angling and felt that the latest piece of legislation could be the final nail in the coffin of a sport enjoyed by millions.

As watersides, river banks and lakesides could be thrown open to the general public 24 hours a day virtually every day of the year fishing could become impossible and matches, including many of which were designed specifically for youngsters, would be impossible to organise.

Shirley said: "One disgruntled fisherman said it was bad enough that they were being targeted by violent animal rights extremists but this latest legislation would see the abolition of angling without the need for the government to lift a finger. He said there were few anglers who still believed their sport was not on the government wish list."

PAC chairman Allan Hutchinson agreed that letters should be sent to local angling club secretaries inviting them to the group's April meeting. PAC was formed in the summer by local people concerned at the implications of the right-to-roam legislation.

Shirley said members were from all walks of life and all shared the same fears that Pendle's wonderful wildlife heritage could be irrevocably damaged by unrestrained 24-hour roaming throughout a large part of the year.

The group meets monthly at the Herders Inn, Lancashire Moor Road, Laneshawbridge.