The Midlands has become the third region to adopt the new Voluntary Bailiff Service (VBS) as the sport looks to crackdown on illegal fishing and rod licence evasion. In a scheme made possible by the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency, 33 successful applicants were unveiled and will now help police the banks of venues |
The event was jointly hosted by Angling Trust Midlands Regional Enforcement Manager Kevin Pearson, a retired West Midlands Police inspector, and Environment Agency VBS Project Manager Adrian Brightley.
Kevin Pearson said: "This was a fantastic day for angling in the Midlands with 33 volunteers joining Phase 1 Voluntary Bailiff Service and offering their support to the Environment Agency and the Police in tackling poaching and all angling-related crime. I am very optimistic about the future and already have more volunteers ready to join at the next induction later in the year.”
Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer Chris Ponsford contributed to training at the induction and said: "The Environment Agency welcomes the opportunity to work with enthusiastic volunteers to help us in our continuing crackdown on illegal fishing and those that cheat angling by not buying a licence.
“We take illegal fishing very seriously. Anyone fishing illegally can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. The Volunteer Bailiff Service is an additional resource we can call on in the fight against evasion and illegal fishing.”