ANGLERS leaders have warned that anyone fishing illegally in Evesham will not cast another line in the town.

This follows an incident in which a Sedgeberrow women had to remove a fishing line with a three barbed hook that had become wrapped around her dog's leg.

Marilyn Butt, who lives in Bridgewell drive, has launched a stinging attack on fishermen using pegs at the Crown Meadow.

"I am one of a group of conscientious dog owners who regularly use the Crown Meadow to exercise and socialise our dogs. We pay the parking fees, clear up after our dogs and even though the dogs get thirsty during the summer, keep them away from the fishing pegs during competitions," said Marilyn.

But she said the same responsible attitude was not taken by anglers. "They do not clear up after themselves but leave bait, food and worst of all tackle. I had to remove a fishing line which was wrapped around one of my dog's legs and attached to this line were two three barbed hooks plus weights."

She called for stronger policing of the fishing pegs and for irresponsible anglers to be fined.

Her outrage was shared by Ray Woods, aged 71, who has been Chairman of the 250 member Evesham Angling Association for more than 30 years. "We do not allow angers to fish with three barbed hooks. It is against our rules and anyone caught would be thrown out of the club. This could have been someone from outside who should not have been fishing," said Ray.

"I am very sorry about this but there are people who will break the law in every walk of life. Our association has strict rules and anglers are expected to keep the pegs clean.

"There is a prevailing wind from behind the Meadow, rubbish can get blown onto the pegs and anglers get the blame."

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