THE Environment Agency says it is still safe and legal to fish during the lockdown, if the correct measures are observed.

A statement said: "Once again we are faced with difficult times and we know that you’ll all be impacted in different ways by the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the current national lockdown.

"However, there is some good news regarding angling. The government has announced that fishing is permitted as a form of exercise within the new national lockdown in England. For those of you who do take to the banks during lockdown, it’s really important that you do so while adhering to the national lockdown rules. This includes only fishing in your local area, while abiding by social distancing and ensuring you are only fishing with members of your own household (or support bubble) or one other person. The latest guidance can be found on GOV.UK."