ANGLERS are urged to give their views on the protection of fish stocks in the River Ribble and its tributaries.

They would be helping the Environment Agency develop its Ribble Fisheries Action Plan (FAP), covering Chorley, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Burnley.

Dr Mike Horner, chairman of the Ribble FAP, said: "This is the most important programme of action ever to involve the entire Ribble catchment.

"We want to protect and significantly improve our fish stocks, the water and the habitats they need.

"As well as boosting angling, the action plan has the potential to benefit the whole area: helping tourism, employment and the local economy."

The Ribble FAP covers lakes, ponds, canals, as well as the rivers Ribble, Calder, Darwen, Hodder Yarrow, Lostock and Douglas.

Call Stephen Whittam on 01772 339882, or e-mail him at stephen.whittam@environment-agency.gov.uk