Businessman reveals intentions to save cherished carping venue for future of the sport.

One of the country’s most cherished and best known carp lakes could have a new owner come June if business man Ross McGill has his way.

Following the news that Cemex Angling has placed its portfolio of waters up for sale, Ross has announced his interest in purchasing the hallowed Yateley in Hampshire, which Total Carp revealed last week has an asking price of a cool £2million.

A former angler, Ross has revealed his shock when he heard that the legendary venue, next to which he lives, was up for sale and that it could go outside of angling – a fact that has spurred him on to launch a campaign to secure the lakes for the future of the sport.

“I have no wish to see these waters go to landfill or property development,” Ross told Total Carp. “I’ve taken a look at the fishing business on the complex and I think that it has potential. I’ve therefore launched a campaign to raise enough money to buy Yateley Lakes Complex."

Looking to raise at least £2.5million to secure the complex – an amount that will need to be brought together in just over a month – Ross has formed a company called Yateley Lakes Ltd. along with a business plan and has every confidence the lakes can be saved for angling.

“The business plan will show that Yateley can be developed in an ecologically sensitive way and retain its fishing heritage,” continued Ross. “I’ll be offering shares in the company over the next few weeks as well as looking at other areas of funding with a view to putting in a bid.

“I’ve already received some very positive feedback and I’m sure we can put together a successful package to secure Yateley for anglers.”

The timing of the sale means that to be successful, Ross will need to have funds and his plan together by June 27. Anyone interested in becoming involved can find out more at the Yateley Lakes Ltd website, here.