Plans to install a fence around a lake at Astbury Mere Country Park have been met with outrage from residents.

Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society began installing a two-metre security fence around the waters at Astbury Mere in Congleton.

A petition against the fence has been started and complaints have been made to the local MP. The Astbury Mere Trust says the fence was installed without consultation and has likened it to a zoo or prison.

Astbury Mere Country Park has been described as 'a jewel in Congleton's crown' and features almost 40 acres of public open space. The park wraps around the lake, which is owned by the angling society, and is home to Congleton's first community orchard.

A spokesperson for Astbury Mere Trust said: "The fence has been installed by Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society but without consultation with us and against our wishes. We had a meeting with them, after it was started, at which they basically said it's their land and they can do on it what they want.

"The climbing plant is an invasive Chinese species called Henry's Honeysuckle. We have made them aware that it is not welcome in our country park, but again it has made no difference. We have received many letters of outrage as to what is happening to our country park, many refer to it as now looking like a prison or a zoo.

"There is a petition at the café allowing people to register their protest against the fence, which has hundreds of signatures. Even some of the fishermen have commented on how awful it looks. Our local MP has received many complaints too and is taking an interest."

Visitors to Astbury Mere had mixed feelings about the fence, which once the project is completed will encompass the perimeter. 

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Congleton resident Carol Scott, who visits the park regularly, said: "It's not fantastic, I know the anglers say there are problems, especially at night but it doesn't look great and in places it makes it hard to see the waters. I don't know why they couldn't build little areas for the fishermen to use instead."

Another visitor, Julia Norman, said: "The first time I saw it I thought I would hate it and it did take a bit of getting used to. I wouldn't say I'm over the moon about it but what can you do. I think they've been complaining about dogs and people stealing things, so I can understand why they've done it but I think they went about it the wrong way."

In 2022 a swan was viciously attacked and killed by a dog that dragged the swan from her nest as she protected her newly-born cygnets. In response to the incident the Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society installed a security fence in the area to prevent future attacks. The fence installed in 2022 is the same as that currently being installed.

Roger Watts, chairman of Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society, said problems with drinkers and swimmers had led to the decision. He claimed during the summer months people are bringing barbeques, lilos for swimming and all the rubbish left is picked up by anglers at the mere.

He said: "The biggest problem is you'll get people this time of year and everything is great, don't get me wrong we haven't got an issue with the normal people who walk around, they're fine. But obviously when the sun comes out, the idiots come out, unfortunately.

"The main reason is because in the summer months the bank where the fencing is, that's where the sun goes in the summer. As soon as the sun shines and we have hot weather we end up with a bank full of sunbathers and drinkers and swimmers.

"In the summer months you can't get to fishing because they're there and if you ask them to move there is a lot of abusive behaviour. So basically it's gone on for a few years and we've put up with it for years and the clubs got to the position where we can afford to do something about it.

"It's got to the point where if we don't do something we're going to start losing anglers and the lake is owned by the angling club. So you're stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. We have a duty of care to anglers as well while they are fishing."