There's no plaice for fishing in the Memorial Park pond, according to council bosses. Officials have reeled in permission for people to enjoy the popular pastime after deciding to enforce an ancient byelaw.

New signs were put up around the pond but the move has angered many, including campaigner Andy Newell. He told councillors at a meeting of Herne Bay Area Member Panel that he was dubious the byelaw was valid. He said:

"I have always fished in the park pond and I know other people who have done for years as well. Are you going to ban the activity and not even look at the feeling of the general public?"

Outdoor leisure manager for Canterbury City Council, Richard Griffiths, said:

"We recognised that the byelaws were not being enforced. It's the legal view that these laws mean no fishing in the pond. The byelaw actually says no taking, injuring or disturbing of fish."

Taxi driver Adrian Bennett supported the council's stance. He said:

"You'd see waterfowl caught up in people's lines and being dragged across the pond. People would be jumping onto the island – not just one or two kids but a lot of people and a lot of adults. If you want to protect wildlife you can't have that going on."

HB Times 23rd Jun 2011