A Stoke-on-Trent fishing group has received a boost from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Fenton-based Sammies Pool is a voluntary-run project that aims to make fishing accessible to young people across the community, including those with special needs.
A grant of £450 has been given to the group from the PCC’s Proceeds of Crime Fund to help buy new equipment for members and subsidise the cost of qualification courses for volunteer coaches.
PCC Matthew Ellis is ensuring that 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going back to local communities.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund (formerly known as the Local Policing fund) is supporting projects in conjunction with local policing teams and local authorities. It is made up of assets and money seized by police from criminals in Staffordshire under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Mr Ellis said: “For the first time, 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities.
“Projects like this are essential for giving opportunities to young people and reducing anti-social behaviour. By providing children with an activity they might not have tried before, it can give a real sense of community spirit.”
The project’s organiser, Sonia Bee said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this funding from PCC Matthew Ellis. It will provide much needed equipment for the children and also help fund qualification courses for eight of our coaches.”
Bids for funding from the PCC’s Proceeds of Crime Fund had to demonstrate a clear connection with reducing crime and fit into one of the Commissioner’s four priority areas: intervening early, putting victims first, preventing offender and re-offending, and improving public confidence.
The group meets during scheduled weekends at Sammies Pool in Fenpark, Fenton.
For more details, call Sonia Bee on 07796 768951 or email her sonia.bee@outlook.com
