SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is working with a Yate angling club to help ensure the safety of swans and cygnets during the breeding season.

Concerns have been expressed about the safety of the swans at Brimsham Park Lake, following problems with unauthorised fishing.

The council hopes the partnership with Ibstock Angling Club will not only protect the birds and provide good fishing for the angling community, but also manage the lake effectively.

David Morrison, community spaces manager, said: "For a number of years we have had problems with people indulging in unauthorised fishing at the lake. The RSPCA expressed its concerns about the welfare of the swans and their young and it was agreed that no fishing would be allowed between April 1 and July 31 each year."

Last year the club was invited to take on temporary management of the lake and now a formal licence has been granted which authorises the club to carry out maintenance work and to monitor fishing.

Fishing will be allowed at the lake between August 1 and March 31.

Anyone interested in working with Ibstock Angling Club and the council can call Derek Barlow on 01454 852853.