All salmon and game fishing on waters controlled by Ross-on-Wye Angling Club has been suspended until at least Tuesday, April 14, in line with Government policy to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The suspension came into effect on Wednesday, March 25 and applies to the club’s three stretches of the river Wye in Ross town centre, Upper Benhall and Weir End.

“We wanted to act decisively to avoid any confusion as to whether fishing was permissible under the Government’s new coronavirus policy,” said club chairman Trevor Hyde. “We did debate whether angling could be considered as exercise,

but finally made up our minds in the light of advice we received from the Angling Trust, that fishing would involve unnecessary journeys to the waterside.

“These are incredibly difficult times for the country and we support the Government’s view that everyone has to act responsibly and play a part in beating this pandemic,” he added.

The decision will be kept under review and any change in club policy will be taken in line with further direction from the Government. Members will be kept informed directly and at www.rossanglingclub.co.uk