The The Wye & Usk Foundation has urged anglers from England not to come to Wales to enjoy fishing as lockdown regulations across the border as relaxed.

Although Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford announced a slight easing of some of the lockdown restrictions on movement, primarily with regards seeing people from different households, the ’stay local’ message remains for at least the next three weeks with were urged not to come to Wales yet.

“While this means those residing in England should not cross the border to fish, we will reopen participating Welsh fisheries where social distancing is possible but limit bookings just to anglers that live locally to a beat,” said a spokesman for the Foundation.

Bookings will resume this week by telephone and every customer will be asked whether they are confident that if stopped, the police will be satisfied that their journey fits within the current Welsh Government guidelines as part of a phased reopening of Welsh Passport fisheries to fit alongside Welsh Government policy.

Once restrictions on movement are lifted in Wales, bookings will re-open for all anglers on Welsh fisheries where social distancing is possible with the final phase being a full opening of all fisheries.

“Some Welsh Passport beats will remain closed for the time being, specifically those whose owners have requested they do so or where social distancing is difficult. In addition, we expect some clubs will want to reopen just for their local members in the short term,” said a Foundation spokesman.

Local anglers have been asked to follow these guidelines at all times:

Anglers should take every precaution when visiting a fishery to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19. This includes staying more than two metres away from anyone else and washing their hands thoroughly when they return home.

Owners always retain the right to close their fisheries with immediate effect.

If the restrictions are changed by the Welsh Government, the Passport could close again immediately with all outstanding bookings for the restricted period cancelled and refunded.