AN angling club is hoping that a change of status for the Bolton and Bury Canal can help reduce the number of fish which have died in its waters.

A number of fish have turned up dead across the canal in recent days and weeks, with Little Britain Anglers attributing it to a wide range of factors.

Eric Owen, club president, said the high numbers of weeds within the canal had de-oxygenated the water.

And recent weather, including strong storms, had further damaged the water for the fish.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) classifies the canal as a remainder waterway - often a low priority for clean-ups and restoration projects.

Eric is hoping to lobby MPs and the trust to get the canal classed as a navigational canal.

He said: “When we have got too much weed it suffocates the water - it takes over and sucks carbon in during the night which depletes oxygen levels. Storms can de-oxygenate the water too and we have had stormy weathers recently.

“The water condition in some areas of the canal is very bad. In the Bolton arm is a section that has a good depth of water, but needs the CRT to deal with the issues. Unfortunately, it is on the bottom of the list, due to it not being a navigation system.”

Little Britain Anglers attempt to aid with the quality of water where they can, although only have a finite amount of resources.

The group has also stated that while some fish have died, the canal still provides ample opportunity for fishing.

Eric added: “Until the issues are resolved, more fish and wildlife will suffer and the canal will dry up in parts and just get worse. Considering the section of the Bolton arm use to be in the papers for the amount of fish every week caught in matches, it has just been neglected and not a lot done, other than the towpath and a little bit of weeding.

“We at Little Britain Anglers are doing everything we can to help highlight the issues and will also fight for the canal’s full restoration. Hopefully more can be done if new laws can help the CRT.”

The angling group is currently seeking further volunteers, to help with the canal and other waterways.

For more information, search for ‘Little Britain Angler’s’ on Facebook.