ANGLERS in Chorley are celebrating after a reservoir was opened up for game and coarse fishing.

The water at Anglezarke has changed hands several times over the past decade and consequently has not often been regularly fished.

But owners United Utilities -- which hold fishing rights at 70 reservoirs across the country -- have now decided to permanently re-open the site.

Mark Alker, who owns Coppull Anglers store and fishes with a Macclesfield club, said: "It's good news because the water there produces some large fish. Fishing is very popular around Chorley and I know that a lot of people have fished at the Anglezarke reservoir in the periods when no one has owned it.

"It's full of perch and bream and I know someone who caught a 32lb fish there, so it's not a bad place to fish."

Fishing is the most popular sport in the UK and twice as many people fish as watch football.

There are 14 locations popular with local anglers including Coppull Ring Mill Lodge, Heapey Lodges and Birkacre Lodges.

United Utilities is expecting widespread interest from local angling clubs wanting to acquire exclusive fishing rights at the reservoir.

Stephen Watson from United Utilities' estate management team said: "We are delighted to offer these new facilities to local angling clubs.

"The reservoir offers a good head of fish and plenty of scope for expansion of the stock.

"There is nothing like a well-run fishing club, on a well kept reservoir, for promoting both the sport and a good community atmosphere."

Any clubs interested in acquiring rights should contact United Utilites on 01204-664328.