A FARMER has been fined £10,000 after incorrectly stored silage polluted a lodge and killed hundreds of fish.

The Environment Agency launched an investigation after members of the public reported a large number of dead fish at Hesketh Lodge, in Astley Bridge, in May last year.

Officers discovered between 800 and 1,000 dead fish and found the source of the pollution was from Harricroft Farm, in Smithills Dean Road, also known as the popular Smithills Open Farm.

Farm owner Anthony Grimshaw appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to contravening the requirements of an environmental permit and failing to ensure silage was stored or placed as required.

Last night, he told The Bolton News: “I’m sorry.”

He was fined £5,000 for each offence, and ordered to pay £2,866 costs.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We received reports from members of the public there were dead fish on the surface.

“Officers investigated it and saw fish in difficulty.

“About 800 to 1,000 were dead.

“Silage is very polluting, which is why it led to such a high number of deaths.

“As soon as it enters the water it strips away the oxygen.

“We have worked with Mr Grimshaw to make sure he has got the right equipment in place so this should not happen again.”

Around 100 anglers fish at the lodge and pay an annual permit fee of around £20.

The lodge contains fish such as carp, chub and tench and is leased to the fishing club by Bolton Council.

It was closed for a week following the incident, and anglers reported having problems catching fish when it initially reopened.

Mr Grimshaw said: “I’m just really sorry that it happened. It was a mistake and I’m sorry.

“The Farmers Union are working with the fishery to hopefully sort out some compensation.”