Just writing to let you know recent goings on at Georges pond.

Having known that pond since a kid it is a real shame to see it being treated with utter contempt.
Apart from the horrible littering there, bottles, cans, plastic floating in the water and fishing line and hooks, which is harming the ducks and other wildlife. I must mention an incident i saw whilst walking the dog there on Monday. A huge speciman pike (about 15 to 20 pounds) had been thrown in one of the bins with the wire trace still attatched inside its mouth. A fish this size would take several years to grow. Are there policies, guidelines and rules laid out for this fishery?

I'm all for free fishing, but this turned my stomach.
Maybe it's time to charge a fee or have a regular bailiff patrol the pond?

Town: Ashton

See this week's Wigan Obserer - fishes to be cleared out to deter late night fishing.

Town: aim

Indeed over a long period of time there have been ongoing problems of anti-social behaviour at this pond.

However,there have been issues in the past two summers with depleted oxygen levels in George's Pond, related to algal blooms. The blooms are caused by the increased nutrient levels in the water, associated with the large semi-resident Mallard population which is attracted there by a regular supply of bread. The Carp in the pond have been among the first fish to suffer from the drop in oxygen levels. In 2010 the Council had to run aeration equipment at the pond, loaned by the EA. It seems that the pond is no longer suitable for supporting the population of Carp and the fish will benefit from being transferred to more suitable waters.

The Council do not know the date yet on which the Carp removal will take place. However, it is important that the carp are removed from the pond to ensure their long term survival.

I hope this explains the main reason the carp are being removed.

Don't forget to wear your WELLIES when you go to Georges Pond, Sir, or you might get your feet wet!

EyUp - I can feel a song coming on ....... (to the tune of 'how much is that doggy in the window') ........

oooooooooooh, ...... I must have a pair of Ash's Wellies, the ones with the rubbery soles! etc.

Town: Bryn, Ashton in Makerfield.