Environment Agency Wales has given a community fishing lake near Onllwyn in Neath a new lease of life by releasing 12,000 mixed coarse fish into the lake.
A variety fish including roach, bream, rudd and tench have been stocked into the Banwen lake, which is enjoyed by many local people.
The community fishing lake is being developed by the Agency, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and the local community council.
It aims to generate interest in angling as a sport and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.
The Agency also hopes to further improve the fishery over the next couple of years by constructing angling platforms at the lake to improve access to the water.
Steve Brown, from Environment Agency Wales said:
“This community fishery will provide local people with an excellent facility on their doorstep which they can get involved with. It also provides a safe place for young people to take up a new hobby and learn new skills.
“Angling is a sport which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. What we’re developing here is a facility that will bring both social and health benefits to the area, and will be enjoyed and valued by the community for many years to come.”
The whole project is funded jointly by the Agency and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
Restocking of the fish into the lake was funded by Environment Agency Wales through national rod licence sales.
A group of local volunteers plan to establish a new Angling Club to allow them to manage the fishery in the long term. They also hope to apply for grant aid to the Maes Gwyn Wind Farm Community Fund to further improve the fishery in the future.
