Dallam Anglers Fishing Group becomes repeated target of arsonists

 The devastated chairman of Dallam Anglers Fishing Group has claimed the pond, which had only recently been given a revamp by the council with the addition of new fishing pegs, has now been left ‘unfishable’ following a spate of ‘targeted’ attacks.

Louis Morris has been the chairman of the fishing group, based at Europa Boulevard, for the last 22 years.

He spoke to the Warrington Guardian about the recent string of incidents which has resulted in a large number of the group’s members choosing to leave.

“We have had bits of trouble over the years but around the middle of August, when we banned a couple of lads, that is where the incidents started,” Mr Morris said.

All 15 new fishing pegs were burnt to pieces during the arson attack (Image: Supplied) Referring to the most recent incident which saw fire crews from Warrington attend the area, he added: “On Friday (November 15) someone set fire to every single fishing peg.

“They burnt 15 fishing pegs in one go – it’s a brand-new pond as well. It cost about £12,000 to put the pegs in.”

Cheshire Fire Service provided a comment following the incident, stating that fire crews were alerted to a number of fires taking place at Europa Boulevard at around 8.55am on Friday, November 15.

It reported that ‘a number of fishing platforms’ had been ‘deliberately set on fire’ and that firefighters used equipment to dampen the flames.

Mr Morris went on to explain that this was not an isolated incident, with arsonists targeting the site on various other occasions, setting fire to equipment and notice boards previously.

Drone footage shows the devastation following the incident (Image: Supplied) “We have had a lot of members leaving this year because they have had enough,” he continued.

“We have an idea of who is doing this, but we can never catch them. What it needs is cameras to be installed.”

The chairman stated that the club had had ‘lots of contact with Cheshire Police’ about the incidents that have occurred in the area in recent months.

A spokesperson from Cheshire Police commented on the arson attack, adding: “On Friday 15 November police were called to reports of criminal damage at a fishing pool in Callands.

“The caller reported that 15 wooden fishing platforms had been deliberately set on fire.

“Enquiries in relation to the matter are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1963193.”

Chairman of the fishing group stated this was not the first incident at the site (Image: Supplied) Since the deliberate fire took place, councillors have been out to meet Mr Morris at the fishing site with plans being put in place to build new fishing pegs once again.

“The council are going to have new pegs put in place at the pond, they are going to make them steel so they cannot be burnt.

“They said it could take up until between February and April to be completed.”

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson commented on the recent events, stating: “Our environment service are liaising with the Dallam & District Community Angling Group and Cheshire Police to agree next steps following this recent arson incident, which has unfortunately resulted in significant damage to the facilities onsite.”