Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is calling on the Welsh Government to apply common sense to its latest guidance on fishing during lockdown after being bombarded by emails from anglers unhappy about the new rules in Wales.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, fishing was prohibited in Wales until changes in the guidance this week. 

Angling is now permitted provided that people walk to the place where they intend to fish and maintain social distancing while there. 

However, many anglers don't live near enough to a fishery, the sea shore, a river, lake or pond where fishing is permitted.  It's also impractical for many of them to carry their kit. 

Darren is therefore urging the Welsh Government to apply some common sense to their new guidelines.

He said:

“These changes are ludicrous and I am not surprised that I have received so many emails complaining about them.

“If it's fine for people to drive to the garden centre to buy plants and walk around where other people are shopping, then it seems to be very odd that people are prevented from driving to a place where they can fish alone while maintaining social distancing. 

“Fishing is a hugely popular pastime for tens of thousands of people in Wales and it's great for their mental health and wellbeing. I therefore call on the Welsh Government to use some common sense and revise these guidelines so that this pastime can be enjoyed in Wales to help people get through these troubling times.”