BIRMINGHAM Anglers Association vice president John Williams is the star guest speaker at an angling conference being organised by British Waterways.
John will be speaking in favour of lifting the close season on rivers at the forum, which is being held in Reading on February 22. Angling writer John Bailey will be putting the case for retaining the three-month break.

The BAA and other clubs who control large stretches of river lose a fortune due to the imposed close season, and there is growing support for the argument in favour of abolishing it altogether.

Another controversial subject up for debate includes the issue of cormorant culling to protect fisheries. More information from John Ellis on 01525 381280.