Fishing set to tackle youth crime

Fishing is being touted as the latest effective weapon in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

Angling Action is a new scheme launched in Reading, Berkshire, to encourage more people to take up the hobby.

Its backers said the scheme aimed "to use angling as a diversionary tool to help cut crime and anti-social behaviour in Reading hotspots".

It is hoped the project, which will promote the hobby in schools and clubs, will be up and running by November.

£10,000 donation

Keen angler MP Martin Salter said: "In my capacity as parliamentary spokesman for angling, I have seen first-hand how successful angling projects have been in diverting young people away from criminality and anti-social behaviour."

The scheme is a partnership between Reading Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Nacro, a leading crime reduction charity.

It has been boosted by a £10,000 donation from local businessman Joe Hemani.

Local angling clubs will be linked up under the scheme, which will see a full-time angling development officer appointed to promote the sport.

It will put together a regular programme of angling activities and work to improve angling facilities across the area.

A Reading Borough Council spokesman said: "Figures show that more people in England and Wales go fishing than take part in any other sport and sport has been seen as a successful tool in tackling issues like social inclusion, regeneration, crime reduction, employment, education and health."