The closure coincides with the start of the carp spawning season. Closing the pond reduces the stress to the fish during the spawning period and allows them to use more areas of the pond undisturbed. The action may also help prevent the high number of fish deaths that occurred at the pond last year.

It is common to close fishing ponds during spawning and most of the other nearby ponds, including the railway pond close during this period. Voluntary water bailiffs at Chapman’s Pond will help advise anglers of the closure and continue to monitor the site.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “We are taking this precautionary measure to suspend fishing based on specialist advice and we would appreciate the cooperation of all anglers during this period. The Chapman’s Pond site is a beautiful area which remains open to visitors who would like to explore the lakeside, woodland and meadow footpath. ”

Updates, including confirmation of the re-opening date, will be posted on the site noticeboard and www.twitter.com/ecoyorkcyc