Guy Opperman has met with the Environment Agency at Wydon Water to see how refurbishment works at the site are progressing, following a routine inspection found defects on some of the fishing platforms.
Wydon Water acts as an important ecological hub in an urban area, which serves as an important protection against flooding.
Since 2010, the Water has also acted as a popular recreational angling site, boasting 20 fishing platforms.
As part of the improvement works, structural assessments were carried out on all 20 fishing platforms at Wydon Water and a refurbishing design was drawn together. The new and improved fishing platforms are set to officially open at the end of February.
Commenting on the visit, Guy Opperman MP said:
‘It was fantastic to link up with the Environment Agency who have invested a significant amount of money and time to ensure that Wydon Water remains in tip top condition to serve the local community.
Northumberland’s vast rivers and reservoirs make it home to some of the best fishing to be found anywhere in the country. With spring just around the corner, I would encourage everyone to get in touch with Hexham Anglers' Association and take advantage of the brand-new facilities at Wydon Water.'
Leila Huntington, Flood Risk Operations Manager at the Environment Agency said:
'We were pleased to show Guy around the work we’ve been doing at Wydon Water through February to improve fishing platforms. As well as being an important feature of our flood defences in the area, Wydon Water is a nature reserve and the refurbishment will secure the future of recreational fishing in the area.'