'Progress made' in rod fee talks

Discussions over the rod licence fee have taken place

A "way forward" has been found in the row over rod licence fees charged on Scottish stretches of the River Esk.

The Environment Agency extended the fees from England into Scotland, sparking anger among anglers.

Tory MP David Mundell met with the EA this week to look at ways of finding a solution to the situation.

After the talks he said he was hopeful that some kind of compromise could be reached, with a group licence replacing fees levied on individuals.

Mr Mundell held discussions with the EA along with Mark Oddy from the Esk and Liddel Improvement Association.

Constructive meeting

"We have agreed that we can see a way forward but there will need to be detailed negotiations about how to achieve that way forward," the MP said.

He added that a group licence was being discussed but the fine details still needed to be sorted out.

"I felt that the meeting was constructive," said Mr Mundell.

"I think the EA recognises that we cannot continue with the status quo and that we do need to find a common way forward."