We want to get more disabled people fishing (From Worcester News)

We want to get more disabled people fishing

8:40pm Friday 27th August 2010 in News By Richard Vernalls, @rvernallsWN #worcsnews

ANGLERS are campaigning for funds to get more disabled people fishing.

The Rifleman’s Arms Angling Club based in Droitwich is trying to get more fishing pegs for anglers with disabilities in a bid to open up the sport to more people across the county.

Members hosted an open event at Porter’s Mill along Droitwich canal this month to raise awareness about their campaign and attract new members to the club.

Wayne Smith, club member and event organiser, said: “People are interested but they just don’t know where to go.

“At some places, the cost can be high for disabled anglers, but we’re all about opening up the sport as much as possible.

“The thing is, people with disabilities can get into angling quite easily. The key is getting the facilities.

“We did have an area where you could drive right up to the canal and fish virtually out of your car window, but the canal restoration means we can’t do that anymore so we want to raise enough money to build 10 pegs.”

At £500 per peg, the club decided to run an awareness day to find out the need for disabled angling in the area.

They then used that information to bid for £4,000 in Environment Agency funding. The club is also talking to the Angling Development Board about funding.

The event at the canalside was sponsored by local firms Tec Electric Motors, Ormerod Rutter accountants, Dennis Spinner Gardening Services and County Building Suppliers, who supplied some equipment, and paid for food, refreshments and the day’s bait.

Mr Smith said: “We had 16 people come along on the day, which was a good turnout.

“We also had a few youngsters who stayed all day.”

The club is also looking to build junior, senior and veteran teams, as well as the disabled squad, to compete at all levels.

Members meet at 8pm on the first Friday of every month at the Rifleman’s Arms pub in Station Street, Droitwich.

Further information is available by calling Mr Smith on 07920 867105.