THE management of Basildon Council’s three fishing lakes has changed hands for the first time in 16 years.

The council has awarded the contract to run lakes at Gloucester Park, Northlands Park and Lake Meadows to Basildon Angling Centre.

This leaves Mick Toomer, who has run the lakes since 1993 with his company Angling Enterprises, without a job just days after winning an award from the council for his work in operating the lakes.

Mr Toomer was unsuccessful in re-tendering for the contract to cover the management of fish stocks, the collection of rod fees, water quality and hygiene and the conservation of the lakes.

Mr Toomer, 54, is upset about his treatment. He said: “I have no problem with the tendering process, it’s the way it should be.

“However, it is totally unacceptable that after 16 years nobody at the council had the courtesy to inform me of their decision until after it was made public knowledge on their website.

“It is unprofessional at best, and something the new licence holder may wish to take note of. I wish him well.”

Mr Toomer is leading the high profile campaign against the £1million development of Basildon Golf Course. He doesn’t think this would influence any decision.

He said: “I realise I have severely embarrassed the council by exposing the facts behind the golf course landfill scandal, and this has not endeared me to certain councillors.

“However, I would hope this has not had a bearing on the lakes tender decision.”

Mr Toomer, of Ravensdale, Basildon, was named best administrator of the year at Basildon Sports Council awards last week for encouraging a new generation of anglers to the sport.

However, the council stressed the tendering process was the best way of giving taxpayers value for money: Ray McKay, spokesman for the council said: “The deal represents considerable savings for the council, without compromising the service and the new contractor will be expected to build on the acknowledged achievements of the previous holder.”

Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and open spaces, added: “This is a good deal for the district and a good deal for its fishing community.

“We are fortunate to have on our doorstep the kind of expertise needed to run an enterprise like this and, as well as looking forward to what the new contractor can add, we are at the same time grateful for the achievements of the previous one.”

Bob Burrows, owner of Basildon Angling based in Whitmore Way, will take over the contract on April 1.

He said: “I look forward to working closely with the council to ensure an exciting future for the fisheries.”