A popular stretch for anglers on the River Great Ouse in Stony Stratford has been given a boost thanks to the Environment Agency installing angling platforms along the banks of the river using money from the sale of rod licences, H&C has learned.

The four new fishing platforms, two of which are suitable for disabled anglers, are locally produced and constructed of recycled plastics and have been installed in the Ouse Valley Park.

Chris Collin, Environment Agency operations delivery technical support officer, said: “Although this stretch of the river is well served with footpaths and popular with anglers we noticed that there were no fishing platforms nearby. We want to encourage people from all walks of life to fish and hope that the platforms will be well used by all sectors of the community.”

The platforms have been built as part of a project to repair the sluice at Stony Stratford, which reduces flood risk for 380 properties. The sluice was discovered to be in need of repair as a result of routine monitoring of flood defence works by the Environment Agency.

The Ouse Valley Park is a public open space under the ownership of Milton Keynes Parks Trust and Milton Keynes Angling Association lease this stretch of the river from the Trust. The Trust has been involved throughout the project and agreed to the location of the platforms and the paths that link them.

Milton Keynes Angling Association Club Secretary, Stuart Pemberton, said: “This is just one example of the work that the Environment Agency does for this and many other associations and will be a boost for less ambulant anglers, of which there are many in this area.”

Angling is a popular, cheap and environmentally friendly pastime. The money from rod licence fees is ploughed back into the sport and used for projects such as installation of angling platforms to make the river more accessible to all for fishing and for fish stocking. By buying a rod licence anglers can be assured that they are investing in the future of their sport.

Rod licences are available from Post Office outlets throughout England and Wales. The cost up until 31 March 2010 is £26. A concession is available to disabled anglers in receipt of a Blue Badge or Disability Living Allowance, junior anglers (aged 12 to 16) and anglers aged over 65.