A by-product from the flood alleviation schemes on the banks of Broads tidal rivers has added up to more than 100 new fishing spaces ready for the new coarse season that re-opens on June 16.

A by-product from the flood alleviation schemes on the banks of Broads tidal rivers has added up to more than 100 new fishing spaces ready for the new coarse season that re-opens on June 16.

These new fishing facilities are located on the River Thurne between Potter Heigham and Martham and at Cold Harbour and Repps, the River Ant between Ludham Bridge and How Hill, with more promised on the River Bure at Upton and the River Yare at Whittlingham.

This is excellent news for local angling clubs and individuals and for the tourist industry and the East Norfolk economy because of the attraction for visiting rod men and women.

Broads Angling Consultant Tony Gibbons, who has liaised with the Broads Authority and the Environment Agency during the work, forecasts the rivers could be back to their former glory next season with catches reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s .

'We are delighted that our governing bodies have seen fit to consider our needs and consult with us at every stage of these flood defence schemes,' he said. 'Now, it really is a case of use it or lose it because if we do not fish these banks they will be allowed to grow over with vegetation again.'

On the downside the EA reports licence sales so far in the new financial year from April 1 were down by 7pc for a comparative period of 2009.

It is believed the downturn is due to poor April weather, but it is a fact that the number of rod licences issued in a World Cup year have almost always shown a decline.

n On the open match scene the weekend's top event, The Joe Alden Memorial at Barford, was won by Vince Cross (Ixworth) with 104lb 15oz of carp to 8lb.

The midweek Hinderclay Open was won by local rod Shaun Greatbatch with 122lb 8oz and the Barford Thursday winner was Warren Martin (Anglers World) 117lb 2oz.

Heaviest catch of the week fell to Mark Girling, The Codgers winner at Barford with 179lb 8oz.

However, there was a battle royal on pegs 19 and 20 at Colton where veterans Trevor Baxter and David Cairns matched each other fish for fish in the CMG clash won by Baxter with 134lb 6oz with Cairns on 134lb 3oz.