YOUNGSTERS are forced to fish in an unsafe lake patrolled by gangs of youths, according to one angry angler.
For two months of the year the lake at Bluewater is shut to allow the fish population a chance to breed.
But carp-crazy Charlie Rayner, 60, of Hedgeplace Road, Greenhithe, says this is unnecessary and puts youngsters in a difficult position.
He said: "The lake at Bluewater is shut between March 31 and June 1. This means the only two, day-ticket waters they can use are Dartford, which is hard to fish and not safe, and Darenth, which is expensive.
"I've heard stories about groups of 15 to 18-year-old boys at Dartford going around stealing equipment from youngsters. I wouldn't feel safe leaving my 15-year-old grandson there on his own," he added.
A Bluewater spokesman said: "The lake is closed for two months of the year and this is something agreed with the Kingfisher Fishing Club and also on the advice of the Environment Agency. We have no plans to change this policy."
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