The trust that protects the “jewel in the crown” of Congleton is trying to block plans for a “hideous” fence around Astbury Mere.
Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society, which owns the water and surrounding shoreline, said the fence would help to protect swans from dog attacks and stop people wild swimming.
But a spokesperson for Astbury Mere Trust said it had not been made aware of the society’s plans and described the fence as “wrong”.
Mike Tomkinson, whose home overlooks the mere, said the angling society was “ruining” the park and causing “distress”.
He said: “(The society) is in the process of installing an 8ft high green metal fence around the whole of the water, which as you can imagine, is not only an eyesore but also restricting access to the water for local animals, including foxes, mink and badgers.
“It is starting to look a mess. Something needs to be done because it is getting ridiculous. The park was donated to the population of Congleton, not to Stoke-on-Trent anglers.”
Mr Tomkinson said he had witnessed anglers drinking alcohol and urinating in the bushes surrounding the mere.
“It’s pretty disgusting,” he said. “This is not what the park should be.”
He said he had been one of the volunteers who worked to clear the mere before the first sailing club moved in.
Mr Tomkinson said: “The anticipation was to get something for the community, not just a fishing lake which is being abused and over-baited.
“Everyone here is getting so annoyed because this hideous fence is ruining it now, even if you want to take a nice photograph.
“It is gradually increasing day by day and they are tearing down trees. It will go all the way around once it’s completed, which will stop animals being able to get to the water and restrict access for emergency services.”
A spokesperson for Astbury Mere Trust said the mere and surrounding shoreline had been purchased by the angling society in 2002.
They said: “Astbury Mere Trust has never owned it. To a certain extent, what they do on their land is their business.
“We are arranging a meeting with them soon to discuss a few issues that have recently been brought to our attention.
“We were not made aware of their intentions with the fence, which is on their land, but we consider it wrong. We will go through the appropriate channels to address this.”
The “Chronicle” understands that the trust has approached Cheshire East Council’s enforcement team in a bid to have an injunction issued to stop construction of the fence.
Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society chair Roger Watts said: “The society has a clear rule prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on all our waters. Our bailiffs patrol the mere regularly and enforce these rules. Any member found drunk on the bank or using illegal drugs faces termination of membership.
“Our constitution sets out a formal disciplinary process for any breach of club rules, including a disciplinary committee hearing and an appeals procedure.”
He explained that fencing had previously been installed on part of the mere following a dog attack, which had resulted in the death of a swan.
“Protecting wildlife is a priority for the society,” he said.
“The next phase of fencing will provide similar protection.
“It will also help prevent unauthorised public access, which has led to issues including attempts to swim in the mere, launching watercraft, barbecues, alcohol and drug use, and other anti-social behaviour.
“There have also been incidents involving threats of violence towards members and bailiffs. The fencing will contribute to improving their safety.”
