FEELINGS are running high in Bewdley over plans to save swans by restricting angling on a town stretch of the River Severn.

Residents of Severnside North and South are unhappy with proposals that they hand over their fishing rights to the Kidderminster and District Angling Association which would then police angling along the stretch.

They have planned a meeting next week to discuss the issue, but have been warned by Wyre Forest District Council vice-chairman and Bewdley resident Frank Baillie that a complete ban on angling outside their homes is "unrealistic".

Severnside North resident Pat Jones said she was determined not to hand over her riparian rights for the quayside outside her house and would also be in favour of banning drinking in the area, as she had frequently been "insulted and threatened" by anglers outside her home.

It was proposed at a meeting called by the Environment Agency last week to ban angling from a high wall along Severnside North to save swans becoming hurt by hooks and discarded lines, but to allow anglers to continue fishing while wearing waders in the river.

Mrs Jones said: "A swan sanctuary has been created by banning angling completely along part of the river in Worcester and drinking is also not allowed. If this was done in Bewdley it would make it much more attractive for visiting families."

Mr Baillie said he felt a "happy compromise" had been reached at the meeting and warned residents that they were in danger of "getting stuck forever" with the present situation if they did not co-operate with the proposals.

Bewdley resident Des Taylor, who writes for the Angling Times, said he felt last week's meeting had been successful and that the stretch of the river "did not deserve" a complete ban.

He said: "Angling has been going on for many years in Bewdley and is important for pubs and guest houses."