A LONG-running local angling club has been left shocked and confused after being served with a notice to quit its remaining fisheries in Christchurch.

Christchurch Angling Club has been told by Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water that the lease for its extensive holdings in Christchurch Harbour and parts of the lower Stour will come to an end in December after more than 70 years.

The club, which has around 2,400 members, looks after 30 river sites and 20 lakes across the local counties and says it is mortified by the loss of the last of its home town waters.

The club has described the action as a slap in the face to all the volunteers who have invested thousands of hours in the local area and harbour, working with local wildlife, environmental and resident groups to safeguard and improve the fragile ecology.

A spokesperson said: “We are staggered by this decision. We have unrivalled expertise and the voluntary manpower to undertake fish and wildlife habitat restoration for the benefit of the community.”

Mike Rhodes, the water company’s property and recreation services manager, said: “The decision to directly manage the Lower Stour and Christchurch Harbour, instead of granting a new lease to a third party, was not taken lightly by Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water.

“However, as the principal stakeholder of the impending new Christchurch Harbour Management Plan, we wish to have adequate control over matters which directly affect us.

“Fishing is one such activity, especially in relation to the potential environmental impacts of this sport.

“We have decided to follow this course of action for a minimum of three years and then review our position.

“Of course, if we decided to issue new leases at the end of this period then Christchurch Angling Club, and any other interested third party, will be welcome to apply.”