Ashby Angling Club have threatened to ban anyone caught fishing at their venues during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The club are believed to have caught offenders and told anyone thinking of doing the same that they must stay away or they will be ejected.

It has been made clear that angling is not considered exercise and they will take further action against anyone using their water without permission.

A message on Ashby Angling Club's Facebook page says: T"o clarify, for those that are pleading ignorance when they get caught by a bailiff - our venues are closed.

"This is in line with recommendations not only from our insurers, the environment agency, but also the Government who have banned all non-essential travel.

"Fishing, isn't, essential. And it isn't exercise either.

"We don't like it, no-one does, but anyone caught will be turfed off and probably banned."

The club runs waters at Hermitage Park Lake in Whitwick; Gelsmoor at Peggs Green, Coleorton; Spring Wood. Lount, Ashby; Church View, Hugglescote; Goss Water, Ibstock; and the Ashby Canal.

All matches have been postponed until May 13 at the earliest according to the club's website Ashby Angling Club

The Angling Trust's Chief Executive Jamie Cook clarified the current situation last month - and how it affects fishing as a sport.

He said: "The Angling Trust, alongside a number of other Sport England governing bodies, has been in contact with the Sports Minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

"The Minister thanked the sports sector for its united and professional response to minimising risk, saving lives and supporting our NHS.

"He stated that the guidance should be taken in the spirit it was delivered. Namely, to stay at home, stay safe and to avoid all but essential travel.

"He reaffirmed that now was not the time to be seeking loopholes and that the prescribed activities were clear – as a result those sports which were still advising activity have updated their policies not to participate and follow the government's guidelines."