23/4/2009 - No plaice like home as angling club net lake

A north Cumbrian angling group will celebrate its biggest ever catch tomorrow as they officially take over the running of Crofton Lake from Cumbria County Council.

The Carlisle and District Course Angling Club (CADCAC) purchased the lake, near Thursby, after successfully purchasing it with a 25 per cent discount from the county council for £30,000.

Members of the club have spent almost 20 years transforming the lake into a Cumbrian beauty spot and the new plans will include extending access for the disabled.

The well-being discount, which allows sales below market value if it is the public interest, was approved by the county council's cabinet in October.

Delighted committee member Martin Chandler said: "The purchase of Crofton Lake has secured the future of the club and has been well worth the 18 months of hard work by the committee. 

"The club will be looking to continue to improve the facilities at the lake giving better access to both the local community and visitors including charities, schools and those with special needs. 

"One of these improvements will be an education centre, which will allow the continued partnership with both the Environment Agency and Borderlines. The lake has had over 530 children visit the lake this year to better understand the natural habitat that surrounds them, as well as trying fishing for the first time. 

"I would like to personally thank Councillor Stewart Young for allowing the club to put it's case forward to the Cumbria County Council Cabinet, and then taking the decision to support the well-being award to the club."

Cllr Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said: "I'm delighted that Crofton Lake is in the safe hands of the club - they have proved over the years that they have a real feel for the area and have helped so many youngsters.

"The county council's well-being discount is designed for organisations like the Carlisle and District Course Angling Club to help them maintain the good work they do in the community by giving a helping hand financially."

Joining Cllr Young and the CADCAC team will be up to 30 children from Holme Cultram Abbey primary school in Abbeytown. The pupils will be experiencing angling on the lake thanks to Borderlines, a not for profit company specialising in giving a environment experience to people across the area.

Since CADCAC started leasing the lake 19 years ago it has gone from being little more than a muddy ditch to a haven for wildlife and fishing lovers alike.

There are paths, wheelchair access and a car park on the site which has also benefited from a tree planting scheme organised by the club.

As new owners, CADCAC now hope to continue its good work and entice even more visitors to the site. Those who already make the most of the facilities include schools and disabled groups.

ENDS

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