BEFORE coming to power the Government published Labour's Charter for Anglers in which it was supportive to angling and recognised the need for change in relevant legislation.

It was a step towards achieving this that Jack Cunningham appointed a Legislative Review Group.

At the time of its appointment he committed not to interfere with the funding of angling until the report was published.

Against this background it is surprising that the Government has now announced a 30 per cent cut on funding the Environment Agency which has already been cut by 50 per cent over the past few years in order, it appears, to fund the pet passport scheme.

Such draconian cuts will severely impact the quality of service the Environment Agency can provide to fisheries at a time when European legislation is putting more pressure on the Environment Agency services.

Given that current government funding is largely spent on rivers with salmon or sea trout runs, it is likely that these rivers will be hardest hit with significant staff reductions at a time when there is both local and international concern at the conservation status of salmon.

Any help or influence readers can bring on local MPs or central government to reverse the decision will be welcomed.

James Carr,

Chairman of the Regional Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation advisory committee,

Moorhouse Hall,

Warwick on Eden,

Carlisle.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.