Holywell: Campaign to overturn Greenfield Valley fishing ban

Holywell residents Daniel Thomas and Duncan Foster are fronting the campaign amid growing concerns over children engaging in anti-social behaviour.

They are calling on Greenfield Valley Heritage Park to lift its current ban on fishing. 

Daniel explained: "Children have been moved on while fishing at Greenfield Valley as there's been a ban on it there for a number of years. 

"There just don't seem to be places for local youngsters to go and engage in something. They are told to move on, and that's when they end up getting up to no good - through boredom.

"It'd be great if we could be allowed to fish there once more, there are around 50 children who are keen to get involved in it."

Greenfield Valley (Image: Unknown)

Duncan added: "It was sparked after a group of lads I'd seen fishing being told to leave. They told me they don't have anything to do in Holywell, and that's why they get into trouble.

"Since launching the campaign, I've had messages from 80-90 parents who are fully in support of it. There were about that many there on Wednesday night for the demonstration, so it's clearly something people care deeply about."

The Holywell and Greenfield Fishing Group has been set up on Facebook, and already has nearly 300 members. 

On Wednesday evening, campaigners demonstrated at Greenfield Valley over the matter. 

"It was great to see so many people there," Daniel said. 

"It's clear this means a lot to many people in this community. We're having ongoing discussions with Greenfield Valley about overturning the ban, and then we could begin to set the wheels in motion to set up a fishing club there."

Brenda Harvey, chair of the Greenfield Valley Trust, said: "The Trust already provides many activities and events that appeal to kids and we are intent on exploring if there is more we can provide for the teens who are an important group in our local communities.

"Regarding fishing, the Greenfield Valley Trust’s current position is that there is a ban on fishing in the Valley but, as part of our 10 year strategy work, we had always intended that this should be looked at again to see if circumstances had changed significantly.

"The Trust is aware of strong feelings on both sides of this issue and had already set off on a fact-finding mission before the campaigning grew to its current scale."

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She said the Trust intends to continue to find out more about the pros, cons and options.

"When we have more information, we hope to share our findings with all concerned parties from the local community," she said. 

"I am the new chair of the Trust.  I was not present when the decision to ban was made but the small amount of information I have gained so far has only served to emphasise that this is not such a straightforward matter as many think it to be.

"I am convinced that getting the best information we can (and by ‘we’ I mean everyone involved in this debate), sharing it and debating it is the best background to a good and fair decision by the Trust - whether this is to continue with a ban or change the policy."