Residents of The Garths are getting hooked on Bransholme's popular fishing lake.

The lake on Bransholme Road is so successful that one local community group has applied for European funding to train and employ staff for a community park, which they hope to develop in the surrounding area.

An educational package, aimed at teaching children about the conservation of the lake and its wildlife, is also planned.

Both projects are the work of the Bransholme Fishing Group.

Led by chairman Les Dunn, the group has been involved with Bransholme Fishing Lake right from the start. Members are now making sure that the lake remains a service that is run and enjoyed by the local community by encouraging both young and old to discover the joys of fishing.

Bransholme community partnership officer Ian Boughen said: "This isn't just another service provided by outsiders. The community has a unique sense of ownership and belonging.

"The lake is helping to create a focus for the local area, a process made possible by the level of community involvement."

Work on the lake started in 1996 and was completed in 1999.

The results, said Mr Boughen, are a testament to the efforts of the local residents in general, and to the Bransholme Fishing Group in particular.

"By the time it was finished it had grown much larger than the community had expected," he said.

This growth looks set to continue with the Bransholme Fishing Group's ambitious plans for the future.

And the self-reliance that got them through the early years is again standing them in good stead as they look to expand both the park and local community spirit.

Café just gets busier

Pop In, chill out and have a chat.

That's the order of the day for the residents of Boothferry Estate at their community café on Bethune Avenue.

The Parkview pop-in community café opened last July, creating a place where young and old can mix without fear or mistrust. The centre also runs courses and workshops for all sections of the community.

"This has helped to build up a good relationship with both the kids and the older generations on the estate," said outreach youth worker Lynne Scott. "We want to focus on the community as a whole."

The Boothferry Residents Association leased and refurbished the premises, a former shop, with help from the City Council.

A further grant from the Neighbourhood Support Fund enabled residents to employ four part-time community workers and two volunteers.

Lynne is delighted that the café has been busy from the start and is now looking for new volunteers to help it expand further.

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The café is open Monday - Thursday and hot meals are available for £1 between 12 and 2pm.

Start a website for free

Local not for profit organisations can now get free help and advice on setting up their own web sites.

The service is part of The Hull Daily Mail Beehive, a free news service for charities, societies and clubs.

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To find out more, contact Chris Warkup, tel. 01482 584389 or email him at: chris.warkup@thisishull.co.uk