THE mammoth task of repairing a leak at Lightmoor Ponds that threatens the future of the fish could be eased with a £500 donation from Cinderford Town Council.

The Forest of Dean Angling Club, who rent the waters from the Forestry Commission, appealed to the council for help as a last-ditch attempt.

Cllr Roger Sterry (Lab, Cinderford West) is a member of the club. He said: “I’d like to think we can help them. The club has done a lot for young people in the community who go on to progress through the ranks.”

Cllr Graham Morgan (Lab, Cinderford West) added: “The club has waters in our parish and we should support them – they do a marvellous job.”

Over the summer the pond’s water level has dropped approximately four and a half feet and repair work is set to cost in total almost £14,000.

Fisheries management officer, John Beddis said: “We started repair work as the low water levels pose a severe risk to the fish, which we estimate to be in excess of £50,000.

“We lost an entire stock five years ago when high silt levels took all the oxygen from the water.

“In total we need £13,826.88 to complete the work. We don’t receive any funding and are looking for voluntary labour; we are very grateful to the town council for their kind donation to help us.

“We are looking at forming a trench around pegs four to seven, re-claying the banks and reinstating new, safer disabled pegs. The club can find the £7,000 needed to complete the work but there will be no more funds for much-needed maintenance around the other ponds.

“Ground works cost a further £5,000 and we need around £3,000 to complete the restocking begun in 2010.

“We lease the land from the Forestry Commission but they and the Gavellers don’t have the funds for the work. So, to get the work done, we will have to do it ourselves.”

The angling club was founded in 1958 and are responsible for the upkeep around the ponds and banks, year-round litter picking and running regular work parties throughout the summer. They also host fishing matches.