Scheme keeps kids safe
APROJECT funded by Cheshire’s Police And Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been keeping children safe this summer across Runcorn and Widnes.
David Keane said he allocated a small grant from his Safer Communities Fund to a play scheme, which works to reduce anti-social behaviour.
A spokeswoman for Mr Keane said the project had kept ‘thousands of children safe’.
Earlier this year, Joyce Reilly, Halton Play Council manager told the Weekly News she expected about 4,000 youngsters to take part.
Halton Play Council runs two sessions daily for children aged five to 12 years, at Holy Spirit and Murdishaw West primary schools in Runcorn and Hough Green Scout Hut and Saints Peter And Paul Catholic College in Widnes.
The Ofsted-registered play scheme provides activities to keep children motivated and active.
Safer Communities Fund cash enabled the initiative to offer extra sessions provided by external visitors such as circus and dance classes and sports clubs.
Children who attend are encourage to develop life skills and social responsibility, while accepting differences and ensuring they work together.
They are also asked to write rules of what they think is acceptable behaviour.
The commissioner visited the play scheme at Holy Spirit Primary School with Halton Brook Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Paul Barker to see the project at work for himself.
Mr Keane said: “I am pleased that my Safer Communities Fund has been able to support this vital project which keeps children across Halton safe during their summer break
“The fund is available to organisations and community groups that work to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour and it’s clear to see the positive impact this project is having on keeping young people away from trouble.
“It was fantastic to see first-hand how this project is making a difference to local children and how the local PCSO Paul Barker is working with the children to ensure they stay safe.” ●
Mrs Reilly said: “The funding from the police and crime commissioner and support from other organisations, including Halton Borough Council, has allowed us to deliver 120 sessions this summer.
“The team of experienced play workers support, on average, 27 children per session and even provide one-to-one support for children with additional needs.
“We have had fantastic feedback from parents who have told us that the range of activities on offer has kept their children motivated during the summer break.”
Lisa Brown, a parent, said: “Both of my children have attended the play scheme over the summer this year and absolutely loved it.
“They come home buzzing from all of the activities they have done, and with tales of their day.
“The staff have been amazing and I can’t thank them enough for taking care of my two and giving them some great memories this summer.”