AT last there is some good and positive news for members of Lymm Angling Club.

As part of a programme of phased openings, Lymmvale, Lymmvale Stockpond, Tabley Mere (the boat facility) and Statham Pool will reopen to fishing on Saturday, pending no further detrimental developments.

The decision to open was taken following the fact that the authorities were unable to provide any further information on the cause of the carp deaths suffered throughout the summer and an acceptance that waters could not be closed forever.

No confirmed outbreaks have been recorded for some time and it appears the situation has abated for the time being.

Hopefully, news of further openings will follow in due course, with the schedule of openings depending on each individual water's dependence on carp stocks. Therefore, it is likely that the last waters to be opened will be those of our carp complex on Belmont Estate.

Lymmvale will likely be the subject of much attention on its opening. Much like the first days of old, when it reopened after its closed season, it will start slowly and build up. Members should not have too much expectation for the first week or two, although the Stockpool will be more of a safe bet.

Statham Pool has been closed for some considerable time, even before the carp-death closures, due to maintenance work taking place. Members should be aware that access and fishing will only be allowed on the refurbished pegs on the farmyard side. Members accessing the opposite bank can expect to have their licences withdrawn.

Despite a short respite late last week, the oxygen levels on Village Pool crashed again over the weekend, requiring aeration equipment to be reinstalled. We believe this is a second-stage alga die back following a mild frost on Thursday night. Therefore, the water will remain closed to fishing until reasonable and sustained oxygen levels are reached.

Currently Sandy Pool, New Pool, Farm Pool and Grimsditch are performing well.

I can be contacted on 411774 but be prepared to leave a message.

Neil Jupp