Gainford Riverside Trust owns the riverbank from St Mary’s to the graveyard. Not the churchyard. This covers pebble beach and the grass beach at the end of the public footpath. There is a public footpath but the riverbanks are private. As a charity the trust allows permissive fishing for which people pay. This small income keeps the entire area sustainable….or should do. Unfortunately the trust has received complaints from the fishermen/women. Swimming and fishing are tricky companions. The numbers of swimmers have caused a drop in the only income the trust has. If you walk between Gainford and Piercebridge Snow Hall have fenced off the riverside area to protect the fishing. And whilst this is clearly not going to happen in Gainford please note that swimming is not allowed. Tents are not allowed. Fires are not allowed. And to those who swim minus clothes…this is not nice for others. Signs will be going up. If anyone wishes to engage with the trust the email address is on this website.