It hasn't taken long but litter is now becoming a big problem at Laybourne Lakes.

The same issue also blights some other local fisheries where anglers are swift to point the finger of blame elsewhere. This may be with some vindication but there are no scapegoats at York Amalgamation's flagship fishery.

The local rat population from the nearby landfill site have been lapping up the bonanza of discarded and unused sweetcorn, groundbait and pellets.

In addition to taking home their unused bait and litter, anglers are reminded that the fishery is for the use of Amalgamation members only. This does not mean that a year-book holder can be accompanied on his/her day out by the spouse, kids and family pets.

Three 'notices of motion' have been received for debate at the Amalgamation annual meeting.

The first is that there be an increase in the price of the annual year-book. The extra revenue generated would be used to offset costs of stocking and providing maintenance and access at the stillwaters owned by the Amalgamation.

The second proposal involves Day Ticket charges, so that all Day Tickets are priced at £4 irrespective of the category of angler. This would not affect the Laybourne Lakes complex which, contrary to reports in another publication, is not available on Day Ticket basis.

The final proposal is that match rule 19 be deleted and replaced with a rule stating that all carp are to be kept in a separate net and for no longer than half an hour after the finish of a match or for no longer than five and a half hours if pleasure fishing.

The rule - designed to protect the precious investment in stock fish - would apply on all waters where carp are present. How one would fare if encountering a carp in a match on the Ouse is open to conjecture, but I suspect two keep nets will not be standard fare in river anglers' net bags next season.

Finally, a reminder that the York Junior Anglers are holding their annual presentation on November 8. All donations of unwanted tackle items, which will be auctioned to provide funds, will be gratefully accepted by Linda at Mitre Angling on Shipton Road.

WEEKEND BOOKINGS

Saturday

Palace Ings - Local AC, Red House Lagoon - Star AC.

Sunday

Beningbrough Park - Bishopthorpe & Acaster AC, Donkey Woods - Sea Horse AC, Fulford/Palace Ings - CIU Willis Trophy, Howsham Opp Hall - Pudsey Royal AC, Paradise Farm - Shepherds AC, Poppleton - New Earswick AC, Red House Lagoon - Burton Stone Lane WMC AC.

Updated: 11:04 Friday, October 17, 2003