A NEW fishing programme has been launched to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Stambridge Parish Council is preparing to launch a three year scheme, which will give youngsters across Rochford the chance to work towards and angling qualification.

It comes after a successful pilot scheme was launched last year by The Youth Service, Essex Police, Stambridge Parish Council, and the Co-operative chain.

The team will be running a quantification through the Angling Trust, called the Collecting Evidence of Learning (CAST) award, which gives youths the chance to become fishing coaches.

George Ioannou, Conservative councillor for Ashingdon and Canewdon, said: "The successful pilot fishing programme held in 2015 has enabled a three year sustainable fishing programme to equip young people with various skills and knowledge to enable them to grow and develop on both a recreational and personal basis.”

Nick Wakins, senior coach, added: "This programme, which will be a three year sustainable fishing programme would not have been possible without George Ioannou’s dedication in arranging the necessary support. We are now in the planning stages of the launch of a new project, which will include new learning modules for the young people."

Teenagers taking part in the free programme will meet at Stambridge Memorial Hall, in Stambridge Road, Stambridge, between 10am and 4pm every Saturday.

Lindsay Whitehouse, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, who is supporting the initiative, said: "The project has successfully engaged young people in their community. They have developed inter-personal skills and an understanding of, and respect for, their environment.

“The fishing has helped divert youngsters away from possible anti-social behaviour and facilitated better and more productive engagement between young people and the Police. The PCC is delighted to have worked in close partnership with Rochford District Council to help improve the quality of live for adult residents and young people who live in the area."