Anglers to face licence crackdown

Environment Agency bailiffs are visiting waters in the East of England to make sure anglers have valid rod licences and follow byelaws.

From 24 until 26 May, they will be in the Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire areas.

"This year we are also looking at remote sites where anglers think we won't find them," environment officer Roger Ferguson said.

Those without a valid rod licence could face a fine of up to £2,500.

Mr Ferguson said: "We put all the money we make from rod licences back into fisheries and angling facilities, so the people who don't buy licences are just cheating their sport and other anglers."

Anglers must be able to produce their licence when requested by an Environment Agency bailiff or other authorised person.