MANAGEMENT and patrolling of angling on Birkenhead Park's two fishing lakes will be taken on by Wirral Council for the first time this summer.

Working in partnership for 30 years with the Association of Wirral Angling Clubs (AWAC) over the running of the fisheries in the park, the Council will start its complete management of the lakes on July 1.

This announcement follows a decision by the AWAC to hand over its responsibilities for managing angling on the two lakes.

After liaising closely with both AWAC and the Environment Agency the Council will oversee the management and maintenance as well the issuing of permits and day tickets to anglers.

Improvements will also be considered to both lakes and the surrounding environment in the coming months

Wirral Council’s Birkenhead Park manager Paul Davies said: “All of the income we receive from anglers for using the facilities will be re-invested into the lakes and the surrounding environment to ensure it remains an outstanding facility for local people to use.

“This includes the regular restocking of the lakes, provision of good aeration facilities and increased maintenance of facilities such as fishing pegs and improvements to the surrounding banks and environment.”

New permit prices will be introduced for using the lakes from July 1:

  • Adult seasonal ticket: £25.00
  • OAP seasonal ticket: £15.00
  • Disabled seasonal ticket: £15.00
  • Junior seasonal ticket (under 17): £14.00
  • Bankside day tickets will also be available priced at £3.50 for an adult and £2.50 for a junior.

These tickets and can also be used against the price of a seasonal ticket if redeemed within one month.

All anglers using the facilities are required to hold an Environment Agency rod licence which is available here: www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence