Fishing was momentarily banned in Richmond's Royal Parks before the government confirmed that it is allowing fishing in this third national lockdown.

The charity said in a post on the Richmond Park Facebook page: "Effective immediately, we are suspending angling in Richmond & Bushy parks. This is in line with incoming government guidelines and with the support of the Angling Trust, whose statement you can read here."

In this update to members, Angling Trust chief executive Jamie Cook said: "We have been informed by the Cabinet Office that the government have taken the decision that fishing in England will not be permitted during this national lockdown period.

"My team and I have consistently presented the arguments ahead of the changing government guidelines, which have allowed fishing to remain permitted continuously since the first national lockdown was lifted in May. We have been successful when other sports have not as all anglers will know.

"However, with 60,000 new infections announced today, the government have taken the decision that leaving home for recreation or leisure, including all forms of recreational fishing, should be prohibited in England during this third national lockdown period."

But later the same day, the trust received a formal response from the government which confirmed that fishing is permitted across the country.

"Fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors," the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told the trust.

A permit is required to fish in Richmond Park and you can apply here.

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