Council fishing

I WONDER if anyone else saw the irony in the news articles that appeared on page 3 (Gazette, 16 November).
Youth worker Les Twentyman stated that “violent youth often become that way because of a lack of structure in family life, as well as a disconnect from the community”. He then goes on to say: “this is particularly a problem in Pakenham and surrounding areas because the kids are bored and rowdy”.
This article was followed by another news item stating that “if Councillor Collin Ross gets his way, there will be a ban on fishing at Lakeside. He seems to think that in reality it wouldn’t make much of a difference”.
Can’t Cr Ross see that he is advocating the removal of an avenue for the youth of the future, to amuse themselves.
It may be hard to get today’s teenagers interested, but there is still hope for the younger children to learn to love this social activity with their families and friends.
Having such a facility on kids’ doorstep allows them to get out and mix with the community and keep them busy. It can form a strong bond between family members.
There is not a great deal to do in the area for kids who aren’t sporty. Is it any wonder, we have so much trouble on our streets?
I also noted all the other news items on the same page were in relation to crime – tyres slashed, stolen items, break-ins and burglaries.
Crime is rife in Pakenham.
By providing the proper facilities at Lakeside for fishing to safely take place, our youth will have another choice about how to fill in their time.
Quoting Mr Twentyman again: “Get them involved in sport and other things”.
Keep fishing at Lakeside.
Helen Davey,
Garfield.