FISHING should not be brought back to Newport's Tredegar House lake, says the scrutiny group looking into the issue.

Newport council has consulted on whether to reintroduce fishing to the lake at Tredegar House.

The council received almost 100 letters opposing the reintroduction of fishing, as well as a 1,000 signature petition in favour.

Councillors on the scrutiny group for culture and recreation recommended that fishing should not be brought back, even on a trial basis.

Supporters said properly managed fishing would bring benefits to wildlife and conservation but opponents argued it would be harmful to wildlife, particularly wildfowl, and disturb the lake's tranquil atmosphere.

On hearing the scrutiny group's recommendation against reintroducing fishing, Peter Martin, of Swan Rescue said: "That's terrific. Forty per cent of our callouts are angling-related.

"Fishing and wildlife are simply incompatible, we believe."

He said lines and hooks which are left behind can easily trap the birds and cause them nasty injuries.

He added that trees and greenery would have needed to be cut down with "indescribable savagery" to make way for any planned fishing area.

But pro-angling father and son David and David Johnsey who led the campaign to bring back fishing to the lake say responsible anglers could deter yobs and stop attacks on swans. They want fishing to be given a trial run to show it can work.

Councillors on the overview and scrutiny forum for culture and recreation visited Cardiff's Pentwyn and Roath Park lakes and Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in the Vale of Glamorgan when deciding what recommendation to make.

They also heard representations from Swan Rescue, Newport Fishing Association, Friends of Tredegar House and the Environment Agency.

Cabinet member for culture and recreation councillor Ron Jones will make the final decision on July 9.