Images Dated 21st June 1971

Abuse of the privilege extended to young anglers to fish at Swanswell Pool in Coventry

Abuse of the privilege extended to young anglers to fish at Swanswell Pool in Coventry city centre has led to trouble the first week of the new season and it could result in the "no fishing" signs going up again. News of good catches being made at Swanswell has brought anglers out in force. The snag they are not all youngsters. Coventry and District AA general secretary Harry Twyneham said: "I went down with our president Jack Beale on Wednesday night and there must have been 180 people fishing. Many of them were youths and men and the youngsters for whom the water was intended were getting elbowed out. They didn't stand a chance.
"We had to turf several people off. Some were quite abusive but fortunately we had police support. I must stress that fishing at Swanswell is only for young anglers up to 12 years old that was the agreement made by the C.D.A.A. with the Parks Department when arrangements were made to open up the water this season." Mr. Twyneham said he feared that the fishing at Swanswell it has produced good roach, tench and carp in the opening Week would be lost if adults continued to cash in on the facility. He appealed to other anglers to keep away and give the juveniles a chance.
Our photograph shows the anglers hoping for a bite after the long-standing ban on fishing the pool was relaxed this season.
21st June 1971

© Mirrorpix