Chairmen of England’s major angling bodies have agreed to wind up their groups to create a single unified body to represent all fishermen.

Each of the organisations involved has also contributed £10,000 to cover the start-up costs of the new body as the plan for one angling voice gathers pace.

The Anglers' Conservation Association, National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives, National Federation of Anglers, National Federation of Sea Anglers, Salmon and Trout Association and Specialist Anglers' Alliance have vowed to close and let one group represent them all.

In a joint statement the chairmen said: “We have agreed that the bodies intend to wind up their organisations and form a single new organisation to represent all anglers. This will be subject to each organisation passing the necessary legal and financial checks, known as 'due diligence'.

“The transition process is being managed by the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT), the umbrella body for fisheries and angling organisations. FACT has retained legal, financial and marketing professionals to advise on the formation of the new body.

“Each organisation has contributed £10,000 to FACT to cover the new body's start-up costs, a clear indication of our commitment. In addition to funding the essential due diligence, much work is needed to improve marketing and our services to members.”

It is understood that the new body will be incorporated by early July with full operation by January 2009. Before then, each organisation will seek approval to proceed at a general meeting, although NAFAC has already done so.

The statement continued: “As chairmen of long-established organisations with loyal members, we have not taken this step lightly. However, we all believe that a single, new organisation is needed to fight for the interests of all anglers and the fisheries they enjoy. We have already received many messages of support for the move and look forward to a bright future.”

The chairmen include: Stephen Marsh-Smith (ACA), Martin Read (NAFAC), Terry Fell (NFA), Richard Ferré (NFSA), James Carr (STA) and Chris Evans (SAA).