IT has long been regarded as one of the most peaceful and picturesque rivers in the country.

But today the Hampshire Avon, is at the centre of a bitter dispute between sportsmen.

The row has now got so out of hand it has turned violent – with canoeists saying they have been threatened with shotguns.

There has also been a warning that razor wire will be stretched across the water to stop them using the river.

But despite the threats, canoeists have vowed to defy the dangers and exercise what they say is their ancient right to use the waterway.

However they have incurred the wrath of fishermen, who say they are scaring away the fish and damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Privately owned estates bordering the river have banned the boats, warning they will lose a vital source of income if the anglers go elsewhere.

Now a group of canoeists is set to stage a mass paddle on the Avon in a move that could spark further clashes.

A message posted on the Anglers Afloat forum says at least one person is planning to use razor wire to halt the event.

An invitation issued to canoeists via the internet says an Act of Parliament passed in 1664 gives them the right to navigate the river.

It adds: “The paddle is not intended to be a mass protest but a positive demonstration of paddling as a legitimate activity on English and Welsh rivers.”

However, the Angling Trust says no such right exists on the Avon and has asked the British Canoe Union to condemn the event.

A trust spokesman described the paddle as an illegal trespass that would harm the river’s fragile ecology.

“Gravel beds used for spawning and a water weed which is a vital habitat for invertebrates could be damaged by large numbers of canoes passing through shallow water,” said the spokesman.

“The large, garish craft will also disturb the peace of the river and destroy anglers’ enjoyment of their sport by scaring fish away. We have asked the police to arrest anyone participating in aggravated trespass.”

The trust stressed that it did not condone violence of any sort.

Peter Hutchinson, vice-president of Ringwood and District Anglers’ Association, said: “Canoeists and fishermen are never going to get along.

“The majority of canoeists are OK but you’ll always get the odd idiot who goes too close to someone fishing. They think they own the river.”

Graham Bland of Ringwood Canoe Club said: “We use part of the river once a year with the permission of the Radnor Estate.

“We don’t paddle the Avon at any other time because you tend to get verbal abuse from landowners and fishermen. I’ve also heard about incidents involving firearms. It’s rare but it does happen.”

Environment Agency official spokesman Paul Gainey said: “I’m aware of the proposed paddle but I hadn’t heard about anyone being threatened on the river.”

A British Canoe Union spokeswoman described it as an informal event that had been organised by a group of individuals.

She said there was no evidence that canoes disturbed fish but declined to make any further comment.