Work starts on new angling lake

The lake will take about six weeks to build

Anglers in Devon are to be given a major boost with the creation of a coarse fishing lake.

Work has just started on a £60,000 project to create the two-acre lake at Filham Park in Ivybridge.

The scheme has been possible through a partnership between the Environment Agency, Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club and Ivybridge Council.

The Agency's contribution is being funded with money from the national rod licence scheme.

Fishing platforms

A grant has also been given by Living Spaces, which is funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and managed by Groundwork, while further funding has come from Peoples Places.

The lake will take about six weeks to build and is being created by a specialist lakes contractor.

During the winter, fishing platforms will be constructed and the lake will be stocked with plants.

Lesley Newport, from the Environment Agency, said: "This lake will be an excellent facility for all the community and we hope will encourage many new anglers to take up the sport and learn more about their natural environment.

"It is unusual for new public lakes to be created these days, and it is a credit to all the partners involved that this has come about."