As an ex-Leicester lad I still keep in touch with happenings through my father's Mercury and was particularly interested in the report on poaching from the River Soar and the comments of Mr Woodgett, of the Quorn Angling Society, (Mercury, January 21).

For centuries ordinary folk have been denied access to the edible fish stocks of the rivers and lakes of this country, going way back to the days of William Shakespeare and beyond. Commoners could starve as long as the rich and privileged had their game sports.

I find it quite repugnant that people in need of food are denied access just so the few can enjoy teasing the life out of some innocent creature in the name of a so-called sport.

Fishing is the last blood sport left in this country and it is high time it went the way of cock fighting, bull baiting and fox hunting and was made unlawful unless for consumption.

Jon Lakin, Shrewsbury.