I MAKE no apology for the Bridgewater Canal hogging my column this week as the catastrophic 'mystery carp death' saga still drags on.

At the time of writing, no information has been forthcoming from the Environment Agency or CEFAS boffins.

There has been no published advice to clubs as the unknown virus rampages through the Weaver, the Trent, the Mersey, the Bridgewater Canal and river systems killing great numbers of carp.

I believe there are also reports of carp mortalities at other fisheries in Cheshire.

I would always be the first to stand up in defence of the overstretched and dedicated fisheries teams at the pointed end, upon whom anglers and fishing clubs rely on.

But I think these wholesale fish deaths more than illustrate the weakness in the EA system - there are not enough staff with a fisheries background where it matters.

Coarse angling is the only sport that wholly funds a government department, namely the EA function concerning coarse fish.

Under the circumstances, I rather think that we deserve a little more consideration.

I accept that it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact problem, but surely some general advice to clubs and fishery owners would not go amiss.

After all, the original incident I am informed was visited by the Agency on the May 18.

Thanks to members who have taken the trouble to ring me with reports of carp deaths on the Bridgewater Canal.

It looks like it has spread at least as far as Timperley, and it seems that it will go though the whole canal system.

Therefore Grey Mist Mere, Rixton Claypits, Moore Quarry, Cicily Mill Pool, and Sandiway Lakes all remain closed.

Members found fishing any of the closed waters are putting those fisheries at risk and will be dealt with accordingly.

I would advise all members to wash and dry all nets after every fishing session.

Well done to the junior and intermediate teams, who competed in the NFA National Championships held on Woodlands View and Moorlands Farm. The juniors came 11th and the intermediates were 10th and 18th.

The senior team compete in the NFA Division One National Championships in Milton Keynes on Saturday.

Please ring me with any catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 01928 713898 or e-mail frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk. HQ Parker Street will be open tomorrow, Friday, between 7pm and 9.30pm for subscriptions.

Frank Lythgoe

Results: Junior Summer Series: 1, Richard Lenihan 3lbs 9ozs 15drms; 2, Joe Dagnall 2-6-6; 3, Jamie Hirst 1-9-7. Tuesday Evening Series (three hours): 1, Kevin Green 4-9-4; 2, Nick Butterworth 4-5-7; 3, Bill Pickles 4-4-5. Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Brian Aspinall 4-0-0; 2, Jeff Clare 3-8-0; 3, Ron Durr 3-2-10; 4, Bob Slater 2-13-8.

Forthcoming Events: Today, Thursday: Junior Summer Series, draw 6pm on Grappenhall Bridge (pegs 595-621). Minnows Series, draw 6pm on bank opposite Euclid Avenue (pegs 550-588). Sunday: Mersey Match, draw 9am at Weir Lane. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.15am at Star Inn (pegs 124-164). Tuesday: Honoraryand OAPs, draw 1.30pm at Red Lane (pegs 383-340). Senior Sweep, draw 5.30pm on bank opposite Denbury Avenue.