The Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership has completed work to improve ‘access for all’ at Five-Mile Bridge near Lincoln.

A launch took place on Wednesday 13 September to officially open new fishing platforms and the improved access ramps to Five-Mile Bridge.

Eight new wheelchair accessible fishing platforms have been installed and access to the platforms, with a purpose built path, has been provided. The site is on the south bank of the Witham, just 5 miles from Lincoln on the new riverside path, Water Rail Way. This is part of the National Cycle Network and will eventually join Lincoln and Boston.

A hog roast was provided at the ribbon cutting ceremony, which attracted many visitors, some arrived on cycles down the new path others walked across the bridge. Anglers were already on site enjoying the glorious weather and their new facilities:

REEL Project Officer Amanda Jenkins said, ‘This is a great day for angling on the Witham. When we were looking for ideas for improvements to fishing this site was highlighted as a hot spot by local anglers who wanted somewhere to fish.  The platforms are larger than normal so are also very suitable for coaching, for groups or for parents who want to teach their children to fish.’

The platforms were provided by the REEL project (Recreation and Environmental Enhancements in Lincolnshire) which aims to improve habitat for fisheries and quiet recreation, improve access to watercourses for all anglers and increase the number of people taking part in the sport of angling.

REEL would like to thank British Waterways who managed the building of the platforms and will maintain them for future anglers.

Over two hundred and fifty thousand pounds has been spent on the improvements at Five-Mile, this was provided by the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership, which included European Union funding.