ANIMAL rights activists joined forces to protest against plans to encourage fishing at Oakenshaw Spinney.

Members of Redditch Animal Rights (RAR) marched to the town hall on Thursday in a bid to "shame" the council for its "improvement plans" for the Spinney.

Blueprints include de-silting the water, building new fishing platforms and clearing the way between the Spinney and the nearby Duckpond pub.

RAR's Kevin White said: "What's going to happen when people start throwing cigarette ends and bottles into the water?

"Oakenshaw Spinney is a beautiful wildlife oasis. There are so many other fishing sites across Redditch - why must another wildlife haven be turned into a blood-sport venue?"

A Redditch Council spokesman said the council neither supported nor opposed angling, but said local residents would now be monitoring "responsible" fishing.

He added: "Batchley Pond improvements were similar to those planned for the Spinney and resulted in less litter, a healthier environment and a controlled environment for fishing and recreation."

But Mr White said: "The council is building new fishing platforms and even stocking up on fish to cater for anglers - how can they claim they don't support fishing?"