Anglers on the Oxford canal should ignore signs saying that angling has been banned

7.00.58pm GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

Liberal Democrat councillors on Oxfordshire County Council have obtained formal confirmation from the council, supported by the Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) and British Waterways, that there is no good reason why anglers should not continue to use the Kidlington to Oxford stretch of the canal. Recently, small laminated signs have appeared on posts and trees alongside the canal stating that "due to recent cases of Weil's disease ... angling is currently not permitted ..."

Though the signs show the logos of the county council and of British Waterways, both organisations now disclaim all knowledge of who may have produced or installed them.

In a full commentary, a representative of the PCT reported that though there have been three cases of Weil's disease in Oxfordshire during 2009, one fatal, none of these was associated with angling. Provided anglers wear suitable protective clothing, ensure broken skin is not exposed to contaminated water, and wash hands before eating after contact with river or canal water, then angling is a low risk activity.

Said Cllr Alan Armitage, who raised the matter in council: "At present it is a mystery who may have placed these signs along the canal. It's hard to believe that somebody did it as a prank. But I'm glad that the anglers have confirmation that they don't need to worry, because it's a sport enjoyed by large numbers of people, who disturb nobody and add to the atmosphere along the canal."