COMMUNITY projects in Gwent can apply for a share of £150,000 in cash seized from criminals and from the sale of unclaimed found property.

Ian Johnston, police and crime commissioner for Gwent, announced his Partnership Fund is now open.

The fund is looking for bids from charities, voluntary organisations and community groups involved in activities that have a positive impact on their communities.

The Partnership Fund grant scheme is funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police and from the sale of unclaimed found property. Orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act are imposed by the courts.

Groups interested in bidding for a share of the funding must be able to demonstrate the positive impact their project will have on the communities they serve,.

They must at the same time be contributing to delivering the Commissioner’s priorities for Gwent which include reducing and preventing crime, taking more effective action to reduce anti-social behaviour and protecting people from serious harm.

Groups will be able to apply for funding up to and in the region of £10,000.

The closing date for all applications is 5pm on June 30.

For more information visit gwent.pcc.police.uk or would-be applicants can email the commissioner’s office on pccpartnershipfund@gwent.pnn.police.uk