Pre-dawn patrols are being carried out by police in a bid to catch poachers at a beauty spot in Nelson.

Illegal fishing at Walverden Reservoir, off Brunswick Street, has led community beat manager Mark Dibb to start his shift at 4am in a bid to foil the culprits.

Water baliffs have reported a rise in the number of rogue anglers attempting to catch fish at the popular carp fishing venue, prompting the police exercise, and raised concerns about impromptu barbecues and fly-tipping around the reservoir.

Insp Phil Davies, Pendle police’s neighbourhood inspec-tor, said: “We have been doing some early morning stints targeting illegal fishing, which have seen the community beat manager coming in at 4am.”

Fishing rights to the reservoir are held by Pendle, Burnley and District Angling Assocation, which acquired the lease from United Utilities last year.

Known for its carp, the waters are also regularly fished for bream, tench, roach and perch.

Club baliff Barry Martin said the society had spent £6,000 on cleaning up the reservoir and providing disabled parking.

Plans are also set to be discussed with the utility company regarding the refurbishment of decking and pegs there.