ANGLERS have been accused of trying to dictate the future development of Stockton Heath beauty spot Ackers Pit.
They are not consulting Stockton Heath Parish Council about their proposals, a councillor has complained.
Coun Dorothy Robb said: “We should have better communication with them and they should consult us before they do
anything. They are dictating to us – it is not a team thing.
“I think they want to dictate what they want there.”
The council has sold the fishing rights to Warrington Anglers Association – but members are not happy with their subsequent proposals which include replacing felled trees with fruit trees near the water’s edge.
Councillors fear fruit trees would not be in keeping and could cause a health and safety hazard if youngsters went “scrumping” near the water.
Coun Stephen Taylor said the anglers should pay towards work being carried out at the pit and that the level of maintenance work to be carried out by the anglers should be agreed.
Members heard a site visit had been organised with Maria Luczak, landscape architect at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden who had offered a free consultation on future development.
The character of the pit needed to be decided from a range from pristine parkland to natural habitat.
Coun Liz Jewkes said: “It is parish council land and we need to decide what we want it as. Once we have agreed that we can build a plan around it.
“It is the responsibility of the parish council to decide what is there. We have to consider the anglers, but cannot be dictated to by them.”
Members voted unanimously to keep the area as a natural habitat.
It was agreed to tell the anglers not to carry out any more work on the site unless it was agreed by the parish council. But aquatic planting and fishing pegs, already approved, could go ahead.
Coun Peter Walker said: “We need a plan that includes fishing, but the area has got to be safe. Access for the general public is also important.”
