Concerns over illegal fishing on River Slea
The trust which owns and manages the River Slea is urging residents to report anyone seen illegally fishing on the river within the town.
The Sleaford Navigation Trust has had a number of reports about people fishing along the stretch between the New Street bridge and the footbridge near the swimming pool.
Residents have complained that, while fishing, they occupy a large portion of the bridge, posing a potential risk to children passing through, including the risk of fishing hooks and slipping on bread left on the ground. They also claimed those fishing also frequently leave behind litter such as bread packaging and drink bottles.
The stretch of the River Slea between The Hub and the A17 dual carriageway bridge is owned by Sleaford Navigation Trust, which also holds the fishing rights for this entire section.
Chris Hayes, chairperson of the Navigation Trust, said it is a “difficult situation”, explaining: “We certainly do have concerns about the illegal fishing and have spent some time talking about the issue with Matt Breathwick, the Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer, and Neil Atkinson from the Sleaford Neighbourhood Police Team.”
The Trust operates a blanket no‑fishing policy. She said the Trust has put up a number of signs making it clear that fishing is not permitted, but this seems to have little effect. “In spite of the signs, the practice continues, often in an antisocial way,” she said.
According to the Environment Agency, fishing along this stretch without the express permission of the Trust constitutes theft of fishing rights under Schedule 1 of the Theft Act 1968 and is therefore a matter for police enforcement. There is a section on the Lincolnshire Police website where people can report a wildlife crime and one of the categories is illegal fishing, https://www.lincs.police.uk/ro/report/rwc/wildlife/report-wildlife-crime/
She added: “A serious concern of ours is when members of the public, or members of the Trust, have reminded individuals who are fishing that it is not permitted, they have put themselves in danger. Some have been subject to threatening behaviour and abuse. This is just not acceptable and an offence in itself.
“We would urge people to report illegal fishing to the police, not to try to deal with it themselves. The online form gives the opportunity to give full details, even whether or not the action is still taking place. This gives an immediacy that contacting the Trust cannot give. We are not in a position to enforce compliance anyway.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said their Fisheries Enforcement Officers will still carry out checks on any individuals found fishing in the area to ensure they are using legal equipment (rod and line), and in possession of a valid rod fishing licence.
If an angler does not have the correct equipment or does not hold a rod licence equipment can be seized, and an offence ticket can be issued (fines of up to £2,500).
This section of the River Slea holds trout. It is currently the close season for trout (November 1 to early April), and the EA does enforce close‑season offences.
During this period, anglers fishing for trout or using methods likely to target trout may have equipment seized, and an offence report submitted.
The EA spokesperson said their Fisheries Team is working closely with the the Sleaford Navigation Trust, Lincolnshire Police, the town and district councils to reduce ongoing illegal activity along this stretch of the river. Joint patrols, increased visibility, and coordinated information‑sharing are already underway.
Given the blanket ban, anyone seen fishing along this stretch of the River Slea is generally fishing illegally and can be reported. For non‑aggressive behaviour call 101 to report illegal fishing (theft of fishing rights).
If the anglers are aggressive or threatening call 999 immediately.
After contacting policer report the activity to the EA via 0800 807060.