A Brereton-based speed watch group is ready to set its sights on speeding drivers thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
Community Speed Watch has been organised by Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council and hopes to improve road safety in the villages.
A £950 grant has been given to the group who will employ a handheld radar device to monitor motorists’ speeds and issue safety advice or warning letters where necessary.
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. Volunteers play a huge role in society through speed watch and other local initiatives.
“These people are doing a great job to tackle speeding in their community and make local roads safer.”
The initiative will, at first, be run by volunteers from the parish council, but it is hoped that more volunteers will come forward as knowledge of the group spreads.
The scheme’s co-ordinator, Parish Councillor Ray Easton said: “This money means a lot to us because, as a group, we are trying our hardest to make sure our community is kept in a safe condition. We’re trying to be a big deterrent to the speeders going through the villages.”
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.
For more details on the Community Speedwatch Initiative contact Councillor Ray Easton on 01889 582 478, 07966 234819 or email cllreaston@yahoo.co.uk.
