A GROUP of anglers have carried out another successful clean-up of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.

The Little Britain Anglers Club helped to clear away sections of the canal and released 300lbs of fish into the water.

Each session revolves around removing weeds, reeds and silt, working closely alongside the Canal and River Trust (CRT), which cares for 2,000 miles of the nation’s waterways. With 49 members currently, the club is going from strength to strength, and the release of the fish was a welcome reward for all of the hard work.

Michael Dodman, the work co-ordinator for the club, said: “We were given a fantastic fish stock of skimmers, bream and roach by the CRT. They travelled all the way from Birmingham out of a lake that had to be thinned out and it was a welcome reward after all of our efforts trying to clean up the canal.”

The fish were released on the stretch of the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal next to The Royal Oak in Water Street, Radcliffe on Saturday.

Eric Owen, Little Britain Anglers Club chairman, said: “In the past two years we have done so much good work and apart from litter picking we have improved the paths in areas and also cut back trees and undergrowth.

“Duck weed is also a real problem and more so in the warmer months but we must have removed three tonnes of the stuff which has helped.”

The 48-year-old, of Keswick Drive, Bury, said that progress is definitely being made and although the club is constantly growing, they are always looking for new members to help the cause.

“If these problems had been dealt with in the first place then we might not be in this situation. I do think though that we are gradually getting there and people are starting to listen to us more.”

He added that the waste problem is huge in the borough and with fly-tipping always a concern too, the more people that come and help out, the better.

“You don’t have to be into fishing to join,” he added. “People can volunteer and just feel good about doing something positive for their community.”

Michael Dudman added that anyone can join in on the work parties. He said: “We always say that we are not just about the fishing as we are just trying to make the canal more inviting to the public so that it is used more. We encourage bikers, ramblers, bird spotters, photographers, anybody. It’s your canal, use it!”

People can join the club by visiting Elton Tackle Shop in Stand Lane, Radcliffe, e-mail info@littlebritainanglers.co.uk or visit Little Britain Anglers Facebook group.