ANGLERS who start fights with canoeists could land themselves in hot water.

In an attempt to bring peace to Yeadon Tarn, the Aireborough and District Angling Association has issued its members with a stern warning.

The association, which has had the fishing rights at the tarn for more than 50 years, is also concerned it might lose them forever if confrontation continues between the various users of the water.

From now on, any angler caught shouting at, or even tussling with other users of the tarn - including canoeists and yachters and even people walking next to the tarn - could get a five year ban - and not just from the tarn, but from all the association's waters.

Peter Darfield, press secretary of the Aireborough and District Angling Association said that the association would not tolerate any abusive behaviour from its members.

He said tempers could easily be frayed if damage was caused to angling equipment - often costing thousands of pounds.

And although the odd incident used to happen in the past, that number has increased with the number of activities in the area.

"The rules clearly state that no angler, be they member, season, or day ticket holder, must get involved in any confrontation when fishing.

"A recent incident reported to the committee, when the angler was identified, has resulted in that angler being disciplined and any angler found guilty of abuse or confrontational behaviour faces the prospect of a five year ban from all association waters."

The association has had the fishing rights of the Tarn for more than 50 years, but in the last few years has seen an increase in the use of the water by other users.

Leeds City Council, which owns the Tarn, has every right to maximise the use of the area, said Mr Darfield.

He said: "Canoeists and trainee yachters are seen more frequently because of the excellent facilities and safe depths of the tarn.

"As a result the pressure on space has increased and the number of incidents between anglers and sailors and canoeists being reported has also risen."

Mr Darfield added that the situation had not been helped by the loss of park attendants.

But he pointed out that the last thing the association wanted was to lose its rights to fish the tarn.

"The committee appreciates that not all sailors, anglers and canoeists are angels. However, if the incidence of confrontation persists, it is fearful that the fishing rights on the tarn will be lost.

"That would be a tragedy to everyone, particularly the

hundreds of youngsters and disabled who chose to fish the tarn because of its special features, easy access, shallow margins and plenty of fish.

"The association has as much right to enjoy the facilities it leases from the council of use of the tarn as much as other users of it."