Islington Tribune - News: Park all set for urban fishery in huge revamp

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Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 1 June 2007

Park all set for urban fishery in huge revamp

UP until recently the lake at Finsbury Park had been primarily well known for its floating litter and the odd sunken shopping trolley.
Now all that is about to change with the launch of a new urban fishery which will hopefully signal the return of the trout, perch and pike.
The fishery is due to be launched in spring next year at after the Environment Agency awarded Haringey £19,000 for the project.
Works include a new process for the sensitive management of angling and balanced fish stocks, along with the creation of five fishing stations and new aquatic planting.
The fishery will be particularly aimed at young people with behavioural problems and disabled people, who might not otherwise have the chance to experience angling.
The lake is enclosed within railings and features an area of hard standing, suitable for wheelchair and disabled access to the lakeside.
The successful funding bid follows a £5million restoration project at Finsbury Park, including the construction of a new café, new tennis courts, a new dog-free play area, new seating, re-landscaping and new park furniture.
Haringey’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Dhiren Basu, said: “The huge improvements at Finsbury Park over the past few years have helped make it more popular than ever, and we hope the introduction of this new fishing facility will bring even more new visitors to the park.
“One of the best things about fishing as an activity is that in can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what your age, ability, gender or ethnic background.
“That means all sections of our community will be able to take part in a peaceful sport in the middle of a busy urban environment.
“I’m very pleased that the Environment Agency has given us this funding and I am sure the new fishery will bring a great deal of pleasure to many residents and visitors to the borough.”

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