Disabled anglers will have improved access to another of the Island’s reservoirs from this month.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has adapted a platform at Injebreck Reservoir, West Baldwin, to allow wheelchair users access.

The platform was installed three decades ago with the help of Douglas and District Angling Club for use when high water levels limit anglers’ ability to cast their rods from the reservoir’s west bank. The much-needed refurbishment gave DEFA the opportunity to install an access ramp.

The ramp is accessed through a new gate for which disabled anglers can obtain a key from Manx Utilities (tel. 687687) in exchange for a small deposit.

The key also provides access to the disabled users’ car park at Cringle Reservoir, where a wheelchair-accessible platform was installed last year.

While the Injebreck platform may not be fishable during periods of low water, the one at Cringle usually remains usable all season.

Both platforms incorporate recommendations of the British Disabled Angling Association (BDAA) and, while all licensed anglers may use them, they are requested to give priority to the disabled.

The Injebreck platform improvements cost just under ?5,000, part-funded by Troutlodge, the company that supplies rainbow trout to the Island’s reservoirs.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said promoting active enjoyment of the Isle of Man for locals and visitors alike was among his Department’s key aims.

‘Angling is a popular recreational activity among visitors and around 20% of those who go fishing do so as part of a dedicated angling holiday to the Isle of Man.

‘The nature of artificial reservoirs can make it tricky to provide access for the disabled but my Department will always seize opportunities to increase recreational options for all user groups.

‘I’d like to thank Manx Utilities for giving permission for the platform to be adapted.’

Access for able-bodied anglers to the southern half of the west bank at Injebreck has also been improved by the installation of a timber stile, while DEFA has planning permission for two new fishing platforms.

Adults’ reservoir licences cost ?206 for a season, ?73 for a week and ?16 for a day, while licences to fish the rivers cost ?69 for a season, ?27 for a week and ?11 for a day, with concessions for under 19s. Licences are issued free to children who are under 14 on 31st December in the year of issue.

Anglers aged 65 and over or registered as disabled can purchase a season licence for ?145.

Information on freshwater fishing can be found at www.gov.im/defa  and a copy of the Isle of Man Angling Guide can also be requeste from the Fisheries Directorate of DEFA on 685857.

Photo - The platform at Injebreck.