HILLINGDON Council has confirmed it is to spend £15,000 on carp.

The money will be spent on 'replenishing' one of the borough's popular fishing lakes, which stands to have its tranquillity threatened by the HS2 rail line.

The local authority state than the lakes are a 'community asset' and must be invested in as a leisure centre would be to enhance the experience for its residents.

However the plans have come under attack from residents and opposition councillors alike who have branded the plans 'a waste of taxpayers money'.

Their anger has been added to by the fact Council Leader Ray Puddifoot (Con), is a keen fisherman and occasional user of the lake which is set to benefit, Pit 4, in Harefield.

Councillor Mo Kursheed, leader of Hillingdon Labour group, said: "People can't afford to pay utility bills yet they are spending £15,000 putting fish in a lake its unbelievable. I can understand what they are saying that the lakes need fish, but to spend £15,000 on this at a time when people are worrying for their jobs is wrong."

Rob Norris, a local resident who works in Windsor Street, Uxbridge, said: "Given these times of austerity this seems to be a massive waste of money, particularly given the cuts the council need to make to front line services to balance their budget."

Council Leader Ray Puddifoot told the Gazette his personal enthusiasm for fishing had no bearing on the decision. He said: "We have terrific facilities, and it is part of our manifesto to invest in our natural environment.

"You could argue is that value for money, I believe it is. I have been fishing since I was four, but I have only used that lake two times in 10 years, the rest of the time I fish in Kent. To look at the bigger picture we have invested £50 million in sport. We are investing heavily in cycling, but I don't cycle."

Two 'family fishing' days will be held this Summer for first-time fishermen to experience the past-time, and attempt to catch the new fish.

The council's press office confirmed the total figure of £15,000 was correct.

Jean Palmer, deputy chief executive and corporate director of planning, environment, education and community services, said: "More than 4.2 million people have been fresh water fishing in the past two years and more people in the UK take part in fishing than play football.

"Last year, following a project to enhance Little Britain Lake, the council spent £7,600 improving the fish stock and £10,000 on two family fishing fun days where more than 1,000 young people fished for the first time.

"Pit 4 lake is a council owned facility and, similar to our leisure centres and playgrounds, the council has a duty to ensure they are maintained to a high standard so that residents can continue to enjoy them."

Family fishing days will take place at the lake on July 24 and August 7. A budget of £11,000 has been set aside for the days.

The lakes are at risk from the high speed rail line, which would see a 3.6 kilometre viaduct be built over them, carrying the London-Birmingham trains through at speeds of up to 250mph.

A worthwhile investment or should the money be invested in a different plaice? Tell us what you think e-mail editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk