ROGUE fisherman have been warned they face being fined for illegally casting their lines at a local amenity.

A spokesman from Barrow Borough Council has said that members of the public who fish in Barrow Park Lake are breaking a local by-law.

In spite of signs in place prohibiting fishing, it has come to the attention of the council that the law is being flouted by adults and children.

An accumulation of rubbish and cast-off fishing supplies has brought the issue to a head, and if the offence continues the use of fixed penalty notices has not been ruled out.

A spokesman from the council said: "Fishermen and children are breaking a local by-law by fishing in Barrow Park Lake.

"Discarded lines, hooks and general rubbish are causing a threat to local wildlife and other park users.

"Barrow Borough Council is working with the police and is pursuing the possibility of being able to issue fixed penalty notices for breach of by-law."

The council has stressed that they are by no means wanting to curtail the activities of legal fishers who have acquired the correct permits.

The spokesman said: "The council wishes to clarify that anglers from Furness Fishing Association are permitted, on agreed dates, to fish in the lake in a bid to remove fish stocks.

"For this purpose, anglers must produce a copy of the permission letter from the council to continue to fish, if challenged.

"However, the council does not issue permits or licenses for general fishing to members of the public or other fishing clubs or associations. People fishing without permission should expect to be challenged and asked to leave the park."