A FISHERMAN is calling for more patrols at a lake after he witnessed a group stealing fish.

Greg Holbrow, from Colchester, was walking his dog around High Woods Country Park on Tuesday, June 13.

Fishing season ended in March and only re-opened on Friday, but Mr Holbrow said he saw people long-lining in the lake at about 8pm.

Mr Holbrow, 49, from New Town, said he wanted to see more security there.

He said: "We were just having a walk around the lake and saw five people sitting right by the edge.

"I thought it was quite suspicious, they were feeding bread to the fish.

"I think they thought I was a ranger and scooted off quickly when they saw me, they ended up at the other end of the lake and I saw one of them putting something into a bag.

"It looked like they had just taken a fish. I went round there and found a line with a sea fishing hook on it, with a big lump of sausage meat."

He contacted volunteers who carry out night patrols to see if anything could be done to stop it happening again.

He said: "It's not just the fact they are stealing, they are also reducing stock owned by the town, they will need to replace the fish.

"I wish I had some form of power to do something legally but you can't, it really angered me."

Mr Holbrow has been fishing since he was seven, and is passionate about the sport- he likes the serenity, solitude and the game of chance.

He wants other fishing members to come together via the club and organise a rota to monitor the lake.

He said: "Volunteers are limited but I believe if we contacted members we can put together a committee that was self-policed."

A Colchester Council spokesman said the lake is a popular attraction where fishing is available between 7.30 am and 9 pm during the fishing season, from June 16 to March 15.

They said: "Country Park staff, volunteers and security officers undertake daily patrols of the lake, checking permits and discouraging unauthorised angling.

"The council welcomes proposals from anglers that could assist with their management of the fishery and encourage responsible fishing.”

Season or day permits are available for anglers wanting to use the fishery and can be purchased from the council or its agents, K D Radcliffe Ltd, Gunsmith & Fishing Tackle.

Tim Young, deputy leader of the council, said: "It has been brought to my attention about the alleged carp poaching at Highwoods Country Park.

"I will bring this to the attention of my colleagues, councillors Mike Lilley and Tina Bourne, who are responsible for Public Safety and Communities respectively.

"This sort of illegal activity needs to be stopped and we will make sure the council takes proportionate and appropriate action."