A DERELICT mill lodge where a Bolton youngster drowned will get a new lease of life as a haven for anglers, thanks to the BEN campaign (See also our Lodge Watch link on the left).

work has already started on clearing tons of rubbish from the murky waters of Blackshaw Lodge, and densely overgrown shrubs and hedges will be cleared from the site and security fencing erected.

The move comes from concerned Bolton anglers who have been spurred into action by the death of eight-year-old Jaffer Javid who strayed into the waters and drowned over the Bank Holiday weekend.

After Jaffer's death the BEN mounted a high profile campaign calling for disused and derelict mill lodges to be filled.

Water bailiff Peter O'Neil, who is now working to make the land safe, said the move came about because of the BEN campaign.

"We read what was happening in the paper and we agreed with it," Mr O'Neil said. "We approached the landowner and we have now got a five-year lease for the lodge with the option of buying the land in the future.

"We are hoping to stock it with fish and turn it from an eyesore into a useful facility, which above all will be safe."

The lodge will now come under the responsibility of Bolton Bailiffs' Angling Club, which boasts 40 members.

"One of the things we want to do is erect security fencing and then, in the summer we can bring children here to fish which will teach them to be responsible around water."

He added: "So far we have pulled all sorts from the lodge from fridges to ladders but the worst is over and we are hoping to have the area safe before the end of the year."

The angling club will now approach Bolton Council to see if they can help bring their plans to reality. John Shepley of the council's leisure services department said they would be happy to look at any scheme suggested for the lodge.

"The group will need to approach us formally but if they have plans to convert a derelict spot into a facility then we will certainly consider how we can help," Mr Shepley said.

The move has been welcomed by members of Jaffer Javid's family, who are still coming to terms with his loss.

Jaffer's uncle Nisar Ishaq, who condemned the area as a "hazardous wasteland" shortly after the tragedy told the BEN: "The speed with which people have acted over this is very good and as long as this area is made safe and secure so a young child cannot wander into it then that will be something.

"It can never take back what we have been through and it will not bring Jaffer back but if it prevents another family from going through what we have been through then we will be happy."