A Burntwood project that engages with young people has been awarded a People Power Fund grant from Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to hold events in the local parks.
Burntwood Town Council’s Play in the Parks events aim to reduce anti-social behaviour by encouraging young people to keep active and take part in a range of activities including rounder’s, painting, football, archery and more.
The Play in the Parks events are encouraging children and young people to attend with their families, giving them a safe environment to be able to meet their friends, keep active and enjoy themselves while learning valuable new skills.
Burntwood Town Council were awarded £2,000 to run the Play in the Parks sessions in the parks across Burntwood.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Matthew Ellis, said:
‘Projects like Play in the Parks are a fantastic way to engage with young people, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and have fun in a safe environment, while helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in the local area. Heather and the team at Burntwood Town Council are doing brilliant work which is having a positive impact in the area.
‘The best ideas to reduce crime, social harm and anti-social behaviour often come from communities affected by those issues. That’s why, since 2013 I’ve increased the funding provided for simple things that make local areas safer and better to live in.
‘Tackling the issues, building community spirit and often reducing repeat demand on policing means that providing financial help at the most local level is really cost effective.’
Heather Tranter, Chairman of the events committee at Burntwood Town Council, added:
‘The funding that we have received from the Police and Crime Commissioner has helped us to put on eight events during the summer, to keep the children occupied and keep the community together.
‘The funding is helping people from all walks of life who thoroughly enjoy coming to the Play in the Park events and the best part is that because of the funding we received, these events are free to everyone.’
