KEIGHLEY Angling Club have been alerted to possible illegal fishing on the River Aire close to Stockbridge.

Regular anglers are being urged to look out for unusual activity and report tell-tale signs to a member of the committee.

In recent months, the club have taken advice from the Canal and River Trust to tackle fish theft and the destruction of fish stocks by poachers.

The move came after a Keighley angler discovered netting stretching out into the water from the bank. It is believed the trap was being used to target several species, including bream, which have flourished in the river in recent years.

Club chairman Fred Farrington said: “We are determined to stamp out this kind of activity and will work alongside authorities, including the police and other angling clubs, to drive poachers away. Many people use the riverbank for recreational activities so it is in all our interests to deter these thieves.

“We are not asking anyone to challenge or confront suspicious individuals, but we would like to be notified so we can tackle this through appropriate channels.”

This year has seen a clampdown on illegal fishing across the UK with police forces working in partnership with angling clubs and the Environment Agency to prosecute offenders.

Meanwhile, Keighley club members are informed of a venue change for the AGM which takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 15. The meeting will be held at the Octagon, Bradford Road, Sandbeds.