THOUSANDS of fish have been introduced into a Basildon fishing lake.

More than 5,000 small carp , between three to five inches long, have been put into a lake in Northlands Park in a bid to set the lake up as an in-town commercial carp fishery.

Between ten and 20 large carp, each weighing between 15lb to 20lb, are also on order.

Bob Burrows, whose company Basildon Angling Centre based in Whitmore Way, manages Basildon Council’s fish stock, was there when the new stock were put into the lake.

He said he hoped the move will dispel rumours the lakes are empty.

He said: “There are plenty of species being caught. Since taking over the management of the lakes I have concentrated my efforts on re-stocking Northlands Park and I am more than happy with the progress the fish are making.”

Mr Burrows took over the franchise to run Basildon district’s three lakes from Mick Toomer, whose company Angling Enterprise had managed the lakes for 16 years.

Terry Simmons, officer in charge of parks at Basildon Council, said: “Re-introducing these fish in to Basildon’s lakes forms part of the work we are doing to improve the quality and range of activities that can be enjoyed in our parks and green spaces.

“This further supports the family atmosphere many of our parks already benefit from.”

The council said more species of fish, including silver fish and roach, bream and rudd, would be introduced into Gloucester Park and Lake Meadows later this year.