FOR the first time since the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease I have some good news in relation to the measures taken.

I am able to announce that Shakerley Mere has been re-opened and will remain open unless there is an outbreak that places the site within an exclusion zone.

This will be of particular good news to our carp specialist members with night permits.

Shakerley increased its popularity with carp anglers when it was ravaged by cormorants and turned into an exellent breeding ground for carp. There are numerous fish of 20lbs plus, with a number of fish exceeding 30lbs.

However, the carp anglers don't have it all to themselves anymore. Bream of all sizes, roach and perch can be caught in good numbers, so much so the water is again being requested as a venue by match fishing organisations. This water is also available for day ticket anglers, with fishing allowed from dawn to dusk.

Elsewhere the fishing is improving. Grimsditch Mill Pool is fishing extremely well with skimmers obliging all the general pleasure anglers, with rudd, roach and perch doing their bit to add a little variety. Carp anglers are enjoying improving sport, although the best action takes place either early morning or at the onset of dusk.

On Whitley Pool the carp shoals have been extremely visible, with even some signs of pre-spawning activity.

Club treasurer and fisheries officer Mark Clowes reports spotting 20lbs ghost carp swimming near the surface and being shadowed by much bigger, darker fish. There is a mirror carp of more than 30lbs in this water, which has been previously caught by Darren Wilson and I have seen a common carp of at least 30lbs patroling the margins.

The Sankey Canal and Longbarn Pool are reported as fishing very well, specially for roach, bream, rudd and perch, also pike and carp catches are featuring strongly.

For the members who have an overstamp, New Pool, Statham Pool and Village Pool are all fishing well, with each rewarding our work party participants.

For over sixties or disabled members there are weekly matches each Wednesday. They are fished on the Sankey Canal, with the draw taking place at 10.15am on Waterways Car Park, off Cromwell Avenue. The entry fee is £4 all in.

I can be contacted on 411774.

Neil Jupp

Lymm Angling Club match results:

Over sixties and disabled match result: 1st, Ray Boden, 5lb-14os-0dms; 2nd, Doug Thom, 4-4-10; 3rd, Bob Slater, 2-11-0; 4th, Baz Holbrook, 2-4-8.