PARK lakes could be leased out and made subject to angling licences as part of a city council bid to revolutionise water activities in Liverpool.

For decades anglers and boating clubs have been allowed free run of the city's lakes, which have been neglected and left overgrown.

Now the council wants to consult over proposals for a complete overhaul of the management of lakes and ponds in parks across Liverpool.

The plans to enforce fishing by-laws, introduce an angling code, which will include a ban on fishing at night, and lease out some waterways have been met with fury by opposition councillors.

Liberal councillor for Tuebrook Steve Radford said last night: "I am worried that these proposals mean that the genuine public will not have access. A lot of people don't belong to official fishing clubs, but use the lakes regularly and they may be alienated.

"The lakes were never there to be managed as a private asset to improve revenue for the city council and I am worried that we are on a slippery slope.

"The council has an appalling record in terms of cutting security at the parks and for a long time, local lads fishing at the lake have been the only form of security at many parks, especially at night."

The consultation report said the council aims to:

Improve water quality and restore hydrological and engineering systems.

Enhance wildlife by managing fish stocks, improving fishes' health and habitats in and around the water.

Maximise the potential of the lakes for educational resource.

Provide good recreational facilities to increase the number of activities and users of the lakes.

Develop a new management structure.

Introduce an angling code and begin enforcement of fishing bye-laws.

Cllr Radford and acting leader of the Liverpool Labour Party, Cllr Paul Brant have called the report in for scrutiny by the Leisure and Culture Select Committee.

Cllr Brant said: "I was very concerned that the report was just a build-up to the council turning around and saying it was going to reduce the number of lakes in our parks.

"The beginning of the report was full of excuses; the council cannot afford the upkeep of so many lakes etc."

The lakes have deteriorated in the last 20 years.

Liverpool City Council owns and maintains 13 formal park lakes and over 30 ponds.

Executive member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Warren Bradley said: "The council has not looked at the issue of the declining lakes for many years and clearly action needs to be taken to improve them.

"I was amazed when opposition councillors called the consultation report in for scrutiny. This will significantly delay good work we are trying to do."