Fishing group angles to stop anti-flood bid

The Malleny Angling Association claims the proposed reduction in water levels at Threipmuir reservoir, near Balerno, could wipe out the habitat of breeding aquatic insects, a critical food source for fish such as trout.

The anglers, who have officially objected to flood prevention plans drawn up by Edinburgh City Council, also fear the impact any construction work will have on their pastime if the scheme is approved.

The Harlaw, Threipmuir and Harperrig reservoirs above Balerno act as a safety valve for the city by soaking up heavy rain water which otherwise pours into the Water of Leith.

City chiefs hope to buy them from Scottish Water so they can set the water levels even lower - making the Water of Leith less likely to burst its banks.

Controversial plans have been drawn up for two flood prevention schemes for the Braid Burn and Water of Leith at a cost of 52 million.

The schemes, which are expected to go before a public local inquiry, are aimed at preventing a repeat of the devastation when rivers burst their banks following torrential rain in April 2000.

But the Malleny Angling Association, which has around 100 members, insists the proposed "drawdown" will have little impact on reducing flooding, which it claims is mainly caused by run-off into the Water of Leith downstream of the reservoirs.

In its official objection to the council on the flood prevention plans, Arthur Howes, secretary of the Malleny Angling Association, said the group was concerned about the loss of in-shore weed-beds where fish often breed and look for food.

"We do not believe that the 0.6 metre additional reserve capacity will significantly impact on the likelihood of downstream flooding, which is chiefly a consequence of run-off directly into the Water of Leith downstream of the reservoirs," he said.

"The adverse consequences of the permanent drawdown, from the viewpoint of our association, are the exposure of part of the stoney littoral in which aquatic insects breed and the loss of in-shore weed-beds, particularly, but not only, on the south shore."

He said the association was "particularly concerned" about the prospect of work on the reservoir for flood prevention taking place between March and September. "This is because, owing to the soft nature of the bottom, this would make it impossible for us to launch, moor and retrieve our boats.

"It would make it impossible to undertake our annual supplemental stocking with brown trout in mid-March. It would jeopardise the survival of both wild and over-wintered stocked trout."

Balerno Community Council has also objected to the city council. A spokesman said: "We believe Threipmuir is by far the largest area of fresh water in Edinburgh. Its potential for amenity and recreational purposes is immense. Any permanent reduction in the level of Threipmuir would severely detract from its beauty, its fishing potential, its use by geese and other birds - some very rare - and the public’s enjoyment of it."

A spokeswoman for Edinburgh City Council said: "Through an extensive consultation process, we tried to address any concerns about the flood prevention schemes.

"However, a number of objections remain and a public inquiry is now needed to try and resolve these outstanding issues. The council is anxious for work to begin on the schemes so communities can have proper protection from flooding."

The council had mounted a huge publicity drive in a bid to persuade householders and businesses not to object to its plans.

But city chiefs admitted last year it appeared "inevitable" a hearing would have to be held because of the large volume of objections, which number more than 40.

Many householders are objecting over the height and appearance of proposed flood barriers.