Path belongs to the public - not fishermen

FURTHER to your article about barbed wire being put up at Monks Pit in Godmanchester and the footpath being moved (May 21), it would appear that the fishing fraternity think they own the site.  Having walked all round and seen the devastation to the hedge

FURTHER to your article about barbed wire being put up at Monks Pit in Godmanchester and the footpath being moved (May 21), it would appear that the fishing fraternity think they own the site.

Having walked all round and seen the devastation to the hedgerow on the far side, the vast amount of wood splinters that get into animals' feet, not to mention the 'path' of 12in-high stinging nettles with dangerous roots across it, the fishermen I spoke to were hostile to say the least.

One guy had a trolley and a wheelbarrow with enough kit for a long weekend. Laying there on his sun lounger he had four rods dangling in the water and the original path was totally obstructed by his gear.

This would seem to be the reason for moving the path away from the water's edge, more than any other.

When I spoke to him about it all he could say was: "What difference does it make where the path is?" I pointed out if that was the case, then why try and move it in the first place.

"Absolutely ridiculous" was all he could manage. The land is managed by the Church Commissioners, not the fishing club.

The path was agreed 20 years ago and we should fight to keep it where it is and get the dangerous barbed wire removed immediately as it must be against health and safety regulations.

MIKE DOBBIE

Godmanchester town councillor

St Anne's Lane

Godmanchester