Police share £100k Community Fund with 39 groups
THAMES Valley Police has released the latest round of funding for organisations supporting police priorities.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, and the Chief Constable, John Campbell, have awarded more than £105,000 to groups around Berkshire.
The investment is the result of the Community Fund, which sees money raised through the sale of unreturnable stolen property and awarded to community organisations twice a year.
Funding is given to volunteer and community groups who support the objectives of the Police and Criminal Justice plan put together by the PCC.
Funding was granted to 39 organisations after more than 190 applied.
Announcing the funding, Mr Barber (pictured) said: “I’m delighted to award this funding to the community and voluntary organisations who are providing valuable services across the Thames Valley.
“Many of the communities benefitting from these funds will see improved CCTV, better provision for young people and support for groups making our streets safer after dark.
“A key element in my Police & Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle local issues.
“These organisations are all working hard in support of my Police & Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.
“It’s great to be able to provide this funding through the Community Fund, which is money that has been recovered from criminals, to support a range of projects across the Thames Valley.
“I continue to visit a number of previously funded organisations, to find out how this funding has benefited them.
“This engagement work allows me to meet many organisations who are doing some fantastic work in reducing crime and supporting their local community. “I look forward to meeting this round’s successful recipients at our presentation event.”
John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to award over £105,000 of funding to 39 voluntary and community groups in the first round of this year’s Community Fund.
“The Community Fund provides an important source of bi-annual funding to organisations which are supporting the PCC’s priorities to tackle crime and keep our communities safe.
“I look forward to meeting the successful applicants at the presentation event in Reading.” Successful recipients have been invited to attend a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday, March 30, in Reading.