The bizarre fishing ban that we reported on earlier in the year at Wingerworth Lido has now been overturned after pressure mounted following nationwide backlash to the announcement.
The snap decision was questioned at the time, but the board on the Derbyshire Council stood firm, insisting that their plan to turn the lake into a ‘Biodiversity Hub’ was the best way forward for the Lido, despite failing to consult lake users or the local community beforehand.
It has taken a sustained effort from governing bodies, dedicated individuals, and the wider public to secure the return of fishing at the Lido. The united response from anglers was a real breath of fresh air, proving that when we stand together, we are far stronger and that in-house arguing achieves nothing in our sport.
This success not only brings fishing back to the venue but also provides a valuable case study for any future challenges where councils or organisations may attempt to ban the sport elsewhere, making it clear it will not be taken lightly.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the countryside alliance said:
"We have today had it confirmed that North East Derbyshire's Environment Scrutiny Committee will recommend angling return to the Wingerworth Lido on an ‘interim basis’. It is now for the council's leadership to act on their recommendation and the will of local people.
"While this is extremely positive news, there’s still a way to go in securing angling at the site for the long term. We will work with anglers to make that case. "
"There was never any justification for banning angling and we were right to fight this tooth and nail. This would not have happened without the valiant efforts of the amazing local campaigners I’ve met."
"A huge thank you to Big Duffs Fishing, Cllr Ross Shipman, Cllr David Hancock and Dominic Webb who never backed down and stood up for their community. The Countryside Alliance and I are proud to have fought alongside you all every step of the way".
The Angling Trust has also been working very closely with Clay Cross Angling Association (CCAA), which has cared for the water for over 25 years prior to the termination of its lease in January 2025 when the ban came into effect.
Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, commented:
“Throughout this process the sole focus of the Angling Trust has been to support Clay Cross Angling Association and to open a dialogue with NEDDC to explore options for the return of managed angling to Wingerworth Lido. We systematically countered the anti-angling claims with evidence and cold, hard facts. We also provided the Council with examples of successful partnerships with wildlife trusts and angling on designated nature reserves to show that their wider biodiversity objectives for Wingerworth Lido are in no way incompatible with sensibly managed recreational fishing. We are, of course, absolutely delighted that common sense has prevailed and that once again local people can enjoy fishing at Wingerworth.”
Andrew Parkin, from the Clay Cross Angling Association, said:
“This is fantastic news which will put a smile on the face of every angler in Derbyshire. The support from the Angling Trust and the angling community has been absolutely fantastic and I can’t thank them enough. The public consultation results also showed just how much backing the club had from local people, and it’s great that the councillors have finally listened and done the right thing.
“For over 25 years our members have put their heart and soul into caring for Wingerworth Lido, and it was devastating when the decision was made to terminate our lease without good reason. We are now looking forward as a club to putting all this behind us and working in partnership with NEDDC and the local community to make Wingerworth Lido a place for everyone to enjoy.”
YOU CAN WATCH A VIDEO STATEMENT FROM CLAY CROSS ANGLING HERE....
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