pike pond, Escomb, Co Durham - Any information?

[northern eye]

Hello pike people. Last year we fished a 2 acre pond in Escomb village, County Durham and caught some cracking double figure pike and nice jacks in fantastic condition.
There have been a number of issues surrounding ownership of the pond and during one day session I spoke with the landowner about this as he walked his dogs. He was happy to have people fish the pond and was interested to know what was in it as he had created it as a nature reserve and not taken stock of its fish content. A few successful trips later we arrived one day to find NO FISHING signs everywhere. As the landowner had verbally told us previously it was OK to fish, we set up. After a while he turned up and informed us that he had recieved verbal abuse and threats from a number of people (obviously complete a...holes), after telling them to pick up their litter. We sympathised with the guy, as we were there for the great pike fishing, and he allowed us to carry on our day but said that he was probably going to net the place n take the pike out. After that we didnt go back. I recently walked my dog round the pond and noticed all the signs have gone. Does anyone know the story behind this hidden pike fishing gem or what the future hold for it?