A PCSO has worked for five years to make his vision of a community fishing facility a reality.

Worcester Park PCSO Gary Weaving, with the help of the community, has set up an initiative to give people living in The Hamptons estate the chance to fish in the wetland area of the estate.

Over the last five years, largely in his own spare time, he has arranged for seven pontoons to be built, a bridge to be constructed to give access to the lake, tended the vegetation in the area and cleared the pond of choking weeds so it can be used as a community facility.

He has set up a scheme open to all people living in the Hamptons that will give them the chance to fish the ponds. The area will also be used by local primary school children.

PCSO Weaving hopes it will discourage the antisocial behaviour - including littering and graffiti - seen in the area.

He said: "Although I have done much of this work in my own time, I am extremely grateful to the police for allowing me to run with this.

"This is an exciting initiative because I am sure it will be enjoyed by countless youngsters and adults alike - and provide an excellent opportunity to promote positive relationships between police and young people in the local area. 

"It’s a great opportunity to bring fishing to young people who haven’t tried it before, and to help them learn and care about the environment and to respect the wildlife in this idyllic sanctuary.
PCSO arranged for the pond to be stocked with 500 young fish of various species and neighbours also introduced their own fish.

"Cheam Angling has donated rods and equipment people will be able to use when they visit the ponds.

The project was paid for through £5,000 funding PCSO Weaving secured through a range of sources including the safer Sutton Partnership Service, Thames Valley Housing, The Hamptons Residents' Association and Sutton Council.

The ponds also have four floating duck houses designed by local school children. The houses - one of which is called Duckingham Palace - were launched earlier this month.

The fishery will provide details of how to book slots for people living in The Hamptons.