PLANS for new fishing platforms along the banks of the Wye in Hereford have been branded "dangerous".

The river could soon get 28 more fishing platforms, but opponents have spoken out against the scheme.

Hereford and District Angling Association (HDAA) already has 14 wooden platforms, or “pegs”, on the south bank of the river in the city and eight on the north, all between the main Greyfriars Bridge and Hunderton Bridge, now a footbridge.

It has now submitted a planning application (number 240788) to more than double that number to 28, all but six of which will be to the west (upstream) of Hunderton Bridge.

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A map with its application shows ownership of the stretches of bank divided between Hereford Rugby Club, Hereford Sea Cadets and Herefordshire Council, with some also shown as “unregistered”.

The river in the city is “a key holding area” for its population of coarse fish (i.e. not salmon or trout) during winter, making the stretch “the premier venue of the UK coarse angler, as Wembley is to football” during what is otherwise tourism’s low season, the anglers claim.

They say the platforms not only give improved access but prevent erosion of the riverbank and have helped vegetation to recover, and have submitted an ecological appraisal to back this up.

Hereford Times: Angling platforms on the river Wye in Hereford, looking across to the Sea Cadets' base Angling platforms on the river Wye in Hereford, looking across to the Sea Cadets' base (Image: LDRS)

An ecological plan for the platforms’ construction will be “strictly adhered to”, they add.

But the plans face opposition from Vaga Marine Services, the umbrella group leading the Wyeside project to improve boating facilities on the same stretch of river.

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A statement from the group, made up of the rowing club, Sea Cadets, rugby club and the Leftbank Village development, said the platforms currently in use have caused “erosion and destruction” along a stretch of over 200 metres of riverbank.

“Further platforms will remove another 300m of lovely riverside as well introducing even more unprotected dangerous platforms for people of all ages to enter the water accidentally but not be able to get out,” Vaga said.

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The platforms would also disturb otters and kingfishers known to inhabit the riverbank, the group added.

The HDAA has in turn opposed Vaga's plans for a new boating ramp on the same stretch of river, saying this would amount to trespass on its property.

Comments on the HDAA's application can be made via the Herefordshire Council webpage until May 24, with a decision due by mid-June.