A Stoke-on-Trent-based community group has received backing from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund towards a local sports project.
Cobridge-based Redeeming Our Communities Sport (ROC Sport) has received £2,140 for the ongoing project run by Urban Expression Cobridge to provide football training sessions for young people to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The money has helped the group purchase six portable floodlights allowing them to continue to meet during the winter months.
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. Staffordshire Police continues to robustly strip criminals of their assets – hitting them where it hurts.
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 initiatives like this.
“These people are doing a great job to tackle anti-social behaviour by offering them diversionary activities that help build relationships within the community.”
Local volunteers from Urban Expression Cobridge help run the weekly sessions on Monday evenings, joined by three football coaches from Engage Communities.
Iona Jones is the Volunteer Leader, she said: “Urban Expression Cobridge is delighted to receive funding for the portable floodlights.
“We’re thrilled that we can continue to run our sessions throughout winter. Eventually, we hope to share use of the lights with other community groups in the area.”
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.
ROC Sport meets from 5pm on Monday evenings at Grange Park, Cobridge.
For more details on the group, contact Iona Jones on 01782 280 938 or email iona@imagineassociates.co.uk
