PCSO launches fishing event to reduce nuisance behaviour in Maidstone

Teenagers in Maidstone will take part in a fishing competition as part of a project to reduce antisocial behaviour in Downswood.

The PCSO led initiative sees Kent Police team up with the Kent County Council youth hub and local businesses following concerns by residents around the use of a lake next to Mallards Way.

The project aims to provide an angling experience for local young people and was arranged by PCSO Kirsty Greaves of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit.

Several local children who have been engaging with PCSO Greaves have been invited to take part. The program is assisted by Kent County Council, Golding Homes, and angling businesses, and required the children to attend two educational sessions at the Maidstone Youth Hub earlier this month.

Competition

After successfully completing the classes, they have been invited to take part in a fishing event at Monks Lakes, Staplehurst, between Saturday 28 October and Sunday 29 October 2023.

Cast A Thought, who provide fishing activities as a tool to support mental health, will be assisting in the running of the weekend’s activities.

Prizes will be available thanks to generous donations from local angling shops.

PCSO Greaves said:

’The project is called Fish Fest and it will hopefully provide a focus and positive distraction for many young people in the Downswood area, who may feel there is not enough to do. ‘It is clear from our engagement with several local teenagers that they have a passion for fishing, and we really wanted to give them an opportunity to put their skills and enthusiasm to good use. Through a series of educational workshops, both theoretical and practical, they will be better equipped to pursue this hobby both safely and legally. ‘I’m confident they will all make the most of the chance generously afforded to them by local services and businesses and that they will put their newly acquired skills into practice for their next fishing expedition.’