Fishing platforms on the River Wye - Letter to the Angling Times

Following an article in last week's Angling Times 'Angling is sold down the river' p6, November 3-9, I thought I'd write them a letter to them and offer my opinion on the subject. Keep checking this blog to see how I got on when I fished the mighty river last week. For now, here's the letter:

Dear Richard,

Having just returned from a week fishing on the Wye in Hereford, I am amazed to learn that plans for fishing platforms on the stretch have been turned down by the Environment Agency, much to the chagrin of the local angling community. Many of the pegs along both banks of the stretch are at best difficult to fish from and at worst, dangerous, especially at this time of year when the steep banks are muddy and slippery. The local authority, which owns the banks, should realise what an incredible fishery they have right on their doorstep and work with the EA and Hereford and District AA to install permanent platforms. It will benefit all parties long-term as more visiting and local anglers will be able to use the river more regularly, generating more local income and encouraging more people to fish there. Otherwise it's only a matter of time before an accident occurs that could so easily be fatal and will have major repercussions for angling on this prime stretch of roach-filed river.

Yours sincerely