'Hands off our fish' plea, after Doncaster Lakeside koi carp targeted by poachers

Angry residents at a Doncaster beauty spot have told poachers ‘hands off our fish’ after a spate of thefts.
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The lake at Lakeside is home to a number of exotic carp – and the fish have become a tourist attraction with people flocking to catch a glimpse of the animals.

But there have been reports of fish being stolen in the dead of night – and a video has now been put together by a local resident urging people to stay away from the fish.

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Sharing the clip on Facebook, Wayne Goddard wrote: “Illegal fishing is damaging wildlife, a pleasure for all the community.

Fish are being targeted by thieves.Fish are being targeted by thieves.
Fish are being targeted by thieves.

“What’s worse it appears people are coming from as far as Manchester to steal the fish.”

The footage concludes with a rewording of the Pink Floyd hit Another Brick In The Wall with the message, ‘hey poacher, leave those fish alone!”

Lakeside has been a popular spot for walkers, joggers and cyclists of all ages during lockdown with people flocking to walk around the lake as part of their exercise routine.

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But earlier this month, Doncaster Council was forced to close part of the route around the lake after footage emerged of hundreds of people ignoring social distancing.

After the clip emerged, the authority closed the path around the marina part of Lakeside.

However, there have been reports of people ignoring the path closures and forcing their way through barriers to access the path.