COMMUNITY projects in Gwent are now able to apply for a share of £150,000 in cash seized from criminals.

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Ian Johnston today announces his Partnership Fund is open for bids from various charities, voluntary organisations and community. The grant scheme is funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police and from the sale of unclaimed found property.

Groups interested in bidding for a share of the funding must be able to demonstrate the positive impact their project will have on their communities they serve, while taking more effective action to reduce anti-social behaviour and reducing crime. Groups will be able to apply for funding up to and in the region of £10,000.

Previous successful applicants include BRfm Community Radio station in Brynmawr, who were awarded £5,000 last year to provide diversionary activities for young people in the community by delivering workshops teaching them a range of new skills in broadcasting. A grant of £3,000 enabled the Risca Street Pastors to recruit a further ten members to help reduce victims of crime.

Abergavenny Youth Group was also awarded £1,100 last year to involve young people and teach them new life skills through a community landscape project, while the Torfaen Warriors Boxing Club were awarded £3,000 to provide diversionary activities for young members.

Gwent PCC Mr Johnston said: “It’s fitting to see money recovered from criminals going back to benefit local communities and many projects in Gwent have already made a positive difference to their communities thanks to this funding scheme.”

The closing date for all applications is 5pm on Monday, June 30. To find out more, visit www.gwent.pcc.police.uk or email pccpartnership

fund@gwent.pnn.police.uk.