YOUNG people are being encouraged to fish for free as part of a scheme to reduce vandalism and dumping at a town centre pond.
The Queen's Park Community Fishing Club wants youngsters, aged 14 and under, to try out the sport at the Bolton park's two ponds.
Chairman Martin McLoughlin says young volunteers will be able to use the club's own fishing kit, bought with a council grant.
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He said: "Membership for young people normally costs £10, but we are offering it free to get them interested. We would rather have them fishing in the ponds than vandalising them.
"We will be having a major clear-up on Saturday, April 18, and anyone is welcome to come along and help us. We will be clearing up dumped rubbish and cleaning the pond so the fish can breathe.
"We have the fishing rights for the ponds from the council and we will be getting rid of the algae on the pond, which affects the oxygen levels. It has also silted up and we will be clearing some of that as well.
"The work will take place over the next couple of years."
The club also has plans to create an island in the middle of the pond to attract more wildlife, although they will be making sure that the fish will not be put at risk.
Mr McLoughlin said: "There are a few herons down there and we have to keep an eye on them for taking the fish, but if we put a plastic heron there the real herons usually leave the pond alone."
Anyone interested in volunteering for the clean-up, or young people wishing to join, can contact Mr McLoughlin on 01204 522550.
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