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10 July 2007
This enquiry was received from member Stuart Watkins:
Nature of enquiry: BAA Fishery, River Avon, Barton.
Dear sir, After talking to various anglers on this water it would appear that the owner of the land downstream from the car park is in the proccess of restricting access to members to the lower end of the fishery. This is of some concern after having a look at the fishery myself the land owner has driven various steel poles into the river bank two of which would appear to be to erect a gate across the access path. The owner has also dug a channel from his land down to the river in order to launch boats, i believe the EA or the powers that be are not to pleased about this, this makes the fishery below this channel almost impossible to access especially when the river is carrying any water. I believe after talking to members that the BAA are aware of the situation, Please could you confirm this and also inform myself if the fishery is still available and what action the BAA are taking against the land owner to address this problem. Thak you for your help in this matter, kind regards Stuart Watkins, Concerned member of some 37 years.
The BAA response was:
Dear Stuart,
I am pleased to confirm that the fishing in Barton No.2 section is still owned by BAA. The landowner however resents our presence on his land and does everything he can to deter our members and to make life difficult for the Association. We have already been to the High Court in London and have won one case against Mr Scully, and at that time the Judge clearly stated that Mr Scully was not to obstruct our access. We are aware of the work carried out by Mr Scully, and of the fact that the EA are not happy with the creation of a slipway. However, our rights of access along the entire river bank adjacent to Mr Scully's land remain intact and any obstruction would be treated with the utmost seriousness. Members are advised that they can walk around the slipway in order to gain access to the downstream part of No. 2 meadow Barton. Any contact with the landowner should be reported to this office. Thank you for your enquiry.
John Williams Secretary Birmingham Anglers Association Ltd.