NRW Enquiry on Revised Byelaws
The final stage of the All Wales Byelaws
Public Inquiry, held in Welshpool, was formally closed by the Inspector, Mr
Declan Beggan on Thursday, 7th March, leaving volunteers across Wales,
content that they have given their all to defend game angling and
partnership working for improved environments. Angling representatives,
however, expressed disillusionment with the fairness of the Inquiry.
Volunteers from the angling community believed they faced tactics from NRWs
legal counsel, reputedly costing thousands of pounds a day, aimed at
subduing their extensive evidence. The game of ‘smoke and
mirrors’ played by NRW at the Inquiry, as reported by local angling representatives,
raises real concerns as to the authenticity of NRWs plan, the nature and
extent of the All Wales Byelaws suggested as the preference of NRWs
executives and senior managers.
The Inquiry, headed by an Inspector
attuned to planning concerns, such as a new housing developments, rather
than complex environment policy considerations as this, raises further
concern in the angling representatives minds, as to the validity and
fairness of the Inquiry and the ability of the inspector to make an
informed decision. With a mix of technically complex evidence, volunteers
drawn into an unfair process of legal gamesmanship and an Inquiry which, it
was suggested, felt biased at all stages towards NRW, anglers now fear for
the future of game angling in Wales.
The inspectors report from the Inquiry,
which will stipulate his recommendation for the All Wales Byelaws, which
could be approved, adapted and approved or rejected, should have been ready
by the 17th May 2019 but is now due sometime in June! The fate of the
proposed measures and anglers will then be made by the current Cabinet
Secretary for Energy, Environment and Rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM.
Anglers Accommodation
Many of
our members travel some distance to the Wye and suitable accommodation is
in regular demand. Peter & Sarah Crouch, new owners of the Whitney Toll
Bridge site are in the process of redevelopment that could provide anglers
with additional accommodation and cafe facilities close to the river around
Hay on Wye, close to beats such as Whitney Court, Caemawr, Red Lion
[Moccas], Llanthomas and Letton Court. WSA have a good relationship with
the owners who support our schools coaching initiative by providing car
parking and picnic facilities for the children when using local beats for
this purpose. We will keep you informed of progress.
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