TWO fishing clubs have waded in to offer help after News Shopper appealed for a home for 15,000 fish.
Homesdale Angling and Conservation Society and Darenth Fishing Complex have offered their lakes to re-house carp, bream and roach currently living in Littlebrook Lake, Dartford.
Dartford Council wanted the fish to go to Dartford and District Angling Preservation Society but the plan fell through when the Environment Agency revealed the society's lakes at Horton Kirby and Sutton-at-Hone contained parasites which could kill the fish.
The council needs to re-house the fish to make way for a £400m development in Bob Dunn Way known as The Bridge.
Fisheries officer John Sivyer from the Sevenoaks-based Homesdale group was the first to come forward.
Mr Sivyer, of Brigstock Road, Belvedere, called News Shopper after reading about the appeal.
He said: "We'd happily take the fish and there are no problems with our 74-acre Longford Lake.
"The fish will be safe. Their welfare is the most important consideration."
The 51-year-old added: "We are always on the lookout for new fish, so this is perfect for us."
Paul Davis, owner and manager of the Darenth Fishing Complex, off Hawley Road, also thinks his club would be a suitable place for the stock.
The 42-year-old, of Station Road, South Darenth, said: "We would be over the moon to get the fish and I would be happy for the Environment Agency to confirm our water is safe.
"Not only would our fishers benefit but we get a lot of children down here and the fish could also stay in the borough."
The council and site developer Prologis will be contacting both clubs to discuss a possible transfer.
Prologis president Paul Weston said: "The leads from News Shopper look very promising. We are following up both opportunities and should be able to make an announcement in the near future."
The council says work will not begin on the development until the fish have been found a home.
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