Happy anglers back at their beauty spot

Fishermen are once again lining the banks of a Black Country pool which has been transformed from a fly-tipping dump back to a beauty spot.

Just a few weeks ago Heathfield Lane fishing pool in Darlaston was described as one of the region's worst rubbish hotspots, with everything from sofas, shopping trolleys, tyres and a television set dumped in it.

But after a mission by members of the community rallied round to clean it up it has been returned to a wildlife haven.

A group of fishermen took over the management from the council and spent days dragging the debris from the water.

Now those like pensioner Arthur Worthington, aged 82, are able to fish at the spot he used to enjoy as a boy once again.

The grandfather-of-eight who lives with wife, Sandra, 67, in Heathfield Lane West, said he has been fishing for 70 years.

He said: "Even if you don't catch anything, it's good for the fresh air and being outside.

"The pool looks lovely again now, I think everyone who has been involved in restoring it should feel proud.

"It gives the kids pride, and a lot of the kids are realising how nice fishing is. They don't have to have an expensive rod and they just get out there and do it."

The Heathfield Lane Fishing Club, which has taken over management of the former clay pit, has now reached 38 members, ranging between the ages of nine and 82.

The sport is becoming prevalent among youngsters in the Walsall borough, where a fishing group now attracts dozens of children. Pc Darren Robbins started up Catch 'Em Young five years go, and from the initial seven pupils from Brownhills Comprehensive, numbers have rocketed to the current 120 children being taught how to fish.

Pc Robbins said about 600 youngsters have passed through the project through the years.

"It's all inclusive, that's the beauty of it," he said. "It's something that is attainable.

"There is a lot of money spent on football-related projects, which are about keeping people fit, but there is more to health than running around.

"If they play football in the street they get reported for anti-social behaviour, and parks aren't considered suitable by a lot of parents.

"With fishing, you are taking them away from the streets for a good length of time. It's not something which is down to personal abilities or talent, it's something you learn in a tranquil environment." Vice-chairman of the club Glyn Smith, 28, said the club was a great way to introduce youngsters to the sport, as the tradition of parents teaching their children is dying out.

He said: "A lot of the information comes from grandparents and parents, but that gets lost with families that are broken.

"A lot of the kids want to know how to do it but they haven't got anyone to show them."