POLLUTION caused by anglers in the New Forest has cost them one of the area's best carp fishing lakes.

The renowned Cadman's Pool, near Fritham, will be stocked with other types of fish when it reopens next year.

Cadman's Pool was closed several months ago as a result of environmental damage caused by irresponsible fishermen.

Carp lovers placed extra fish in the one-acre pond and then tossed large amounts of groundbait into the water.

Their activities resulted in an explosion in the carp population and an accumulation of rotting waste that turned the lake into a sewer, according to experts.

A huge number of fish died as a result of diseases caused by overcrowding and poor conditions.

Now the Forestry Commission has announced that Cadman's Pool will not be restocked with carp after it has been cleaned out.

Simon West, the commission's education and range manager, said the lake would instead be filled with perch, tench, roach and rudd.

Mr West said: "All the fish were killed by a disease known as whitespot.

"Problems were compounded by the fact that Cadman's Pool could comfortably accommodate up to 200 carp, but actually contained thousands of fish.

"Having taken various factors into account we have decided that carp will not be reintroduced into the lake in the future."

The announcement has disappointed Test Valley Angling Club, whose members often fish in the New Forest. Secretary and acting chairman Bob Wyeth said: "People who wanted a net full of fish went to Cadman's Pool because it's an easy water.

Unfortunately anglers contributed to some of the problems that have occurred there."

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