Rent free fishing

THOUGH it was in April that  ammonia leaked into the Staffs & Worcs and Shropshire Union canals, British Waterways have granted anglers a rent free 'holiday' until the matter is cleared up.

The pollution spread over many miles, and it is estimated it killed 50,000  fish, and a report has now been completed and the Environment Agency is still considering whether to take any legal action as a result.

Autherley Junction

The pollution was at at Autherley Junction, with the discharge into sewers affecting Barnhurst Sewage Treatment Works.

British Waterways spokesman Stephen Hardy explained:

"Neither organisation can discuss this incident as it may be the subject of legal action. However British Waterways has granted affected angling clubs a rent holiday while such action is concluded."

The contamination started on the 18th April with dead fish such as pike and bream seen floating in the water as far north as Wheaton Aston on the Shropshire Union. And as far South as Dunstall Park on the Staffs & Worcs.