COMMUNITY projects in Gwent are now able to apply for a share of £150,000 seized from criminals and unclaimed property in the region.

Recently elected Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert has announced that groups can now apply to the Partnership Fund for up to £10,000 from 9am today until July 22.

Open to bids from charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, the fund is for those who can show how they would use the money to have a positive crime prevention impact on the community.

Commissioner Cuthbert, said: “I am delighted to offer another chance for community groups to apply for funding which can make a real positive difference to people’s lives.

“I am looking to fund projects which can support front-line policing and offer opportunities for people who are disaffected or disengaged.”

Since the Partnership Fund was launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner three and a half years ago, funding across Gwent has included £9,250 to the Show Racism the Red Card organisation and £7,988 for the Lylac Ridge Animal Learning Centre in Risca which works with volunteers and ex-offenders to redevelop land and transform it into an area the whole community can enjoy.

More than 150 groups in the region have already benefited from £500,000.

Former Caerphilly Welsh Assembly member Mr Cuthbert, added: “I want this money to have a real positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

"It’s fantastic to see the ill-gotten gains of these criminals being put back into the hands of the law-abiding majority here in Gwent.”

Other groups which have received considerable funding include £7,280 to the Changing Gearz cycle project in Griffithstown and £5,000 towards the production of hard hitting educational film ‘The Good Drug Dealer’ which highlights the devastating impact of psychoactive substances.

Downloadable application forms and accompanying guidance notes are available at www.gwent.pcc.police.uk from 9am.

Email pccpartnershipfund@gwent.pnn.police.uk to receive a hard copy or call 01633 642 200 before the deadline of 4pm on Friday July 22.