Coronavirus: Fishing at Arlington Reservoir suspended

South East Water confirmed it has made the ‘difficult’ decision to protect its fishermen and workforce as Covid-19 continues to take hold.

The water firm said: “Precautionary measures to protect fishermen from COVID-19 have been cast out by South East Water.

“The water company made the difficult decision to suspend fishing activities at Arlington Reservoir until further notice.

“Following Government advice issued on Monday (March 23), parking at the reservoir’s car park has also been suspended.”

The decision will prevent large groups of people gathering in the car park and around the reservoir, the water company said, helping to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

Emma Goddard, head of environmental at South East Water, commented: “We are privileged to have such wonderful open spaces that can be used for recreation like fly fishing.

“We know fly fishing at Arlington Reservoir is hugely popular and I want to assure everyone that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“However, in order to protect fishermen and our workforce, the safest option is for us to temporarily suspend fishing activities on site.

“I am really sorry for any inconvenience this causes and we will be in contact with customers who had purchased season tickets to discuss the suspension in more detail.”

She continued: “We are taking COVID-19 very seriously and want to do everything we can to support the NHS at this difficult time.

“Once the current Government measures are relaxed we will look to resume fishing activities at Arlington Reservoir.”

For more information, visit corporate.southeastwater.co.uk/fishing.