LANNY’S LAGOON 

(Fosse Way, Stretton Under Fosse)

Tel: 07970 907995

http://www.lannyslagoon.disabled-angler.co.uk/

Wednesday 2nd June 2004 saw the transformation of an underused fishing lake into an area dedicated to the disabled angler.  

The grand opening June 2nd was chosen to commemorate and showcase the efforts of several months’ hard work by the fishery owner John Langwarne.  The format for the day's celebrations was to have a small competition between ten disabled anglers invited from Coventry and Rugby.  Five officials from the environment agency were in attendance and the lake was officially opened by the Mayor of Rugby (Councilor L. Wright).  John had recognized the need for improved disabled access on his fishery for a long while and, after seeing that funding for such a project was available through the Environment agency, he applied.  After several meetings with the E.A. the project was given the approval as a need for disabled access in north Warwickshire was identified.  So the partnership was formed and for the project to reach its fruition it would take a lot of hard work.  The time scale of this project was 5 months.  Anyone that has ever met John or has ever visited the fishery will be well aware that John is not frightened of hard work, and to get the lake to the wonderful condition it is in today has taken just that.  The agreement between the E.A and John was that the E.A would supply the materials, the plans and the expertise, and John himself would supply the labour free of charge. 

So what did the partnership accomplish? The fishery consists of 7 huge fully accessible platforms well spread out around the lake, one of which can accommodate 3 anglers. John calls this 'the family peg'. (Below left) 

There is also a double platform (above right) and the others are large enough for the angler and a helper including all their gear to sit in comfort.  They are all heavily constructed with bump stops on three sides.

From the designated disabled car park there is an accessible pathway constructed of crushed stone, rolled and blinded to giving a firm base,  suitable for the wheelchair user and those with limited mobility. (see picture below) 

From the car park down to the water and the first accessible platform there is a slope.  Whilst this is of a gradual gradient it is some 25 meters in length.  For any wheelchair users I would recommend the need for assistance with tackle transportation.  If you fish alone ring the number above to see if John the owner is available to assist.

 Car parking 

The designated disabled car park has room for approximately 8 vehicles and as non-disabled anglers  have to access the water by foot from the initial car park, there should be no problem with parking. 

Access

Access to the disabled car parking is via a five-bar-gate with the use of a RADAR key.

Toilets

These have been specifically built with funding from the Environment Agency to meet the needs of the disabled angler.  Their location is in the log cabin some 50 meters past the disabled car park.  You can drive up to and park adjacent to them.

Danglers Thoughts & Tips

We at the dangler have no qualms in recommending a visit to Lanny's Lagoon.  The fishery is unusually situated in a beautifully landscaped large wooded area, which encircles the two lakes.  As you can see from the photo's above, combining this to its remote location we believe you will find nowhere better to fish  in peace, and with such tranquil surroundings.  

John the owner is a lovely genuine man who will go out of his way to help you.  He's always busy doing some chore or other around the fishery so he'll not be far away if you need assistance or just a chat.

The fishing itself is superb, having a wide range of species and size - maybe not to the stocking policy of commercial waters, but as I found there was still plenty to be caught - and all in immaculate condition!  Pole is a good method and fish can be caught just beyond the end of the platforms, so this is an ideal place for the novice to fish.

Free Fishing

As part of the funding agreement with the Environment Agency, fishing on the designated disabled platforms is free to disabled blue badge holders only. If you wish to fish any of John's other platforms there will be a charge.

Directions

Lanny's Lagoon can be found on the main B4455 Fosse Way near Stretton under Fosse. Easily accessible from the A45 between Coventry and Rugby, leave the A45 at the Stretton-on-Dunsmore roundabout and head north along the Fosse Way.

Stay on the Fosse all the way through Brinklow and Lanny's Lagoon can be found signed on the left about a quarter of a mile after the B4027 goes right off the Fosse.