A motorbike was dragged out of Grantham Canal last week as those who wish to see it returned to its former glory ask - who’s responsible for the clean-up?
Jim Wheeldon, water bailiff for Grantham Angling Association, believes the onus falls on South Kesteven District Council.
He said: “I go along the canal banks and sometimes collect eight or 10 dustbin bags full of rubbish. I just don’t know where it’s going to end I really don’t.
“I’m led to believe that part of the canal belongs to the council - they bought it off the water board for a nominal £1 fee and they lease it to Grantham Angling Association.
“If that’s the case, surely they are responsible for looking after it.”
Mr Wheeldon sells licences for people to fish along the stretch. This year he has sold only one.
He said: “There’s thousands of fish and there’s some big fish too. Last year a pike came out between Earlesfield Land and Trent Road just over 30lbs in weight and, by the Ramada, a 23lb carp came out.
“I’m worried we’re going to lose the fish because of the state of the water.
“Once over you would have 10 or 15 people up here fishing most nights but you don’t get anything now and if you do they haven’t got a licence. When I approach them, they say ‘why should I pay to fish in something this state?’And you can’t argue.”
There has been talk on Facebook of volunteers banding together to clear up the canal.
South Kesteven District Council say the land is owned by British Waterways but if they are alerted to excessive litter in the area they will arrange a litter pick.
UPDATE: The Journal has been contacted via Twitter by the Canal River Trust (formerly British Railways) who say they are NOT responsible for this stretch of the canal, their responsibility ends at the A1.
Thanks to @CRTStephen for the update.