A PROPOSAL to ban fishing at St George's Park could reignite the row between residents and fishermen.

Although Bristol City Council does not propose selling off any part of the park, it has put forward a number of changes and the fishing ban could prove to be the most contentious.

As previously reported in the Evening Post, there has been a long-running row between the fishermen who use the lake and other local people.

There have been a series of meetings organised by Friends of St George's Park in an effort to resolve the issue, and an action group was set up to try and find a way forward.

But it could all be for nothing if the council decides to impose a ban.

Gina Holmes, of Friends of St George's Park, agrees with the idea.

She said: "I know it sounds like a killjoy but there's been such terrible harm to the wildlife because of lines and litter left. We've had one cygnet killed and three seriously injured.

"I think it's too small for the number of people that fish there. At the very least I would like to see them limit the numbers."

The fishermen, though, aren't happy. Mark Iles said: "I think it would be a total shame. The park is a good place to teach younger anglers to fish.

"You've got to go out of Bristol to fish, apart from Eastville and St George's Park, and people don't feel as safe at Eastville.

"I don't think there will be a total ban, they just need a few bailiffs to police it.

"The idea for the green spaces is ridiculous.

"They want to put two bridges onto the island so people can see the ducks nesting, but if you do that then the rats and foxes will get on there."

Other changes proposed for St George's Park include replacing the pavilion and changing rooms, keeping the original historic features and including a cafe.

A new multi-use games area could be provided, either next to the skate park or the tennis courts, and the lighting could be improved.

There are four other green areas that have been proposed for sell-off in St George.

More than 30 homes could be built on the southern part of Plummer's Hill open space, with the house fronts facing the green.

The council says the Gladstone Street Children's playground isn't well used enough and there are other sites nearby at Netham Park and St George's Park. Smaller spaces at Terrell Gardens and part of Furber Road green could also be sold off.

St George resident David Wilmott, 75, wrote to the Post with his concerns that his allotment ground could be sold off for up to 19 houses, despite poor access by road.

He said: "I live in Stibbs Hill and we have an allotment area that has been put forward for sale.

"I have had an allotment plot for 50 years and others on the site have been there for some time.

"The access is almost non-existent, being a narrow service lane.

"The other day an ambulance refused to go up there because it's so awkward.

"The place is almost landlocked and couldn't be used for any sort of building programme.

"I run the neighbourhood watch and have a couple of older ladies who are fearful of what might happen."

The council has put forward a number of ideas for areas that could be improved when money raised from land sales is reinvested over the 20-year period of the project.

Although it won't have the money to fund them all, the authority wants residents to say which they would prefer.

Apart from the St George's Park plans, proposals for this part of the city include a new footpath around Dundridge playing fields to make it easier for disabled people or mums with pushchairs to use.

The children's play area on the fields could be expanded while a new pavilion could be built, along with a multigames area and a larger car park.

A new play area could also be built at Rodney Road playing fields, with two more at Plummer's Hill and Furber Road.

Council spokeswoman Helen Hewitt said: "We know people are very passionate about their parks and open spaces, and many want to see improvements in the parks near where they live.

"At this stage no decisions have been made. We are urging local people to take a close look at the options and have their say about what they think should happen."

To view the detailed proposals go to www.bristol.gov.uk/agsp.

What do you think of the proposals for your area? Email s.rkaina@bepp.co.uk or write to Sam Rkaina, Evening Post, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD.