THE ‘ground keeper’ of lakes in Heybridge has slammed protestors of a planned fishing club.

John Lamb, 56, of Conyer Close, believes a fishing club will bring many positive developments to the lakes.

Mr Lamb’s response comes in wake of the group ‘Friends of Heybridge Gravel Pits’ protesting at the lakes off of Hall Road last week against a submitted application for a fishing club of up to 100 members.

The group claim that a fishing club would damage the naturally significant wildlife site and threaten various species of A-listed birds.

However, Mr Lamb said that fishermen would not cause environmental problems for the lakes and insists that the wildlife will not be affected.

He said: “I have been maintaining this lake voluntarily for many years, and if this club goes ahead it would mean I would be properly employed to do it.

“Therefore I will have more time and resources dedicated to keeping the lake maintained.

“We will not be building any big, ugly jetties sticking out from the lake’s edge, but swims that are no larger than 4 square meters, no closer together than 150 meters.

“No cars would be allowed to come near the lake’s edge or gravel paths coming to it.”

Mr Lamb also responded to the group’s concerns about the safety of otters and water voles that live near the lakes.

He said: “While they are cute and nice to look at, otters cause considerable damage to other species and wildlife.

“They will kill - for fun - water voles, mice, rats, geese, ducks, fish and birds’ eggs.”

Mr Lamb insists that policy would be strict for keeping mess and pollution away from the nature reserve.

He said: “The level of dog waste, litter and other debris that currently stems from the public using the lake can reach awful levels, and it is not to be generalised to fishermen’s impact.

“We would have toilets installed for everyone to use, with fresh water ducts nearby to give dogs a drink of water.

“No shower blocks will be put in, and any person caught using the bushes instead of the toilets we’re installing will be asked to leave and not come back.

“For me, coming down in crowds with brightly coloured signs, with dogs being allowed to trample around is more damaging to the lake’s environment than any fisherman would be.

“The developments would be camouflaged into the environment, and more resources can be put in to maintaining the wonderful ecosystem the lakes have.”