Ten new angling platforms in the Broads

The Broads Authority and the Environment Agency have installed ten new wooden angling platforms in an important fishing area on the River Waveney in order to improve facilities for anglers.

Access on an existing 150m stretch of reed bed has been improved by the installation of new platforms and a boardwalk. A new bank upstream has also been prioritised for angling to compensate for a restriction on fishing from the adjacent small and busy 24 hour mooring at Worlingham.

Two of the angling platforms close to the car park have a granite path to take wheelchairs and eight provide access over the reeds. The platforms should help to prevent the rond eroding while providing a safe, dry platform for anglers to sit on and be free of disturbance by boats.

The Broads Authority and the Environment Agency worked in partnership with the Broads Angling Strategy Group to plan the platforms which have been installed at a cost of £50,000. The Broads Authority paid for the materials and the Environment Agency paid for the construction.

Mark Casto, chairman of the Broads Angling Strategy Group said: “This is a fantastic resource for local anglers to enjoy because not only is it a good safe place to fish, it’s a really lovely spot. We particularly welcome the creation of two new swims and easy access facilities, which has given all anglers a real alternative when the moorings are busy at Worlingham.”

The fishing platforms are already proving very popular. A young local angler, who has been fishing at Worlingham since he was nine, said: “I am now 26 and this is the best thing that anyone has done for fishing.”