FURTHER to your editorial 'As clear as mud' (August 13), anglers are also finding the foot and mouth regulations very confusing. Apart from losing all of our fishing on the River Derwent (except for four small stretches for two weeks) and the Nidd, we have only five lengths of the Ouse out of 11 at our disposal.

Changes to what is opening, then closing, are advised, it seems, almost daily.

The water authority, on the one hand, advise that a fishery north of York is open and a different office within the authority then advises the riparian owner that it is not, leaving us in confusion.

We have worked very closely with farmers and the National Trust at Beningbrough, being almost in weekly telephone contact to try and get our members on the banks but at all times respecting their wishes regarding access over fields and the hall grounds.

During this outbreak other confusing aspects have been that in some places we can fish, but walkers cannot walk, and in others the reverse applies.

At other sites people on boats can use the bank but anglers are requested not to sit and fish.

Our match bookings secretary has the very unenviable job of trying to accommodate the booked matches on what little water we have available.

But, with all the changes, he seems to be fighting a losing battle.

As you say, the countryside needs clarity if it is to recover quickly from the outbreak.

R. Hutchinson,

General Secretary,

York & District Amalgamation of Anglers,

York City Arms Sports Club,

Fawcett Street,

York.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, August 16, 2001