WINSFORD and Northwich residents have been given a hand in making their neighbourhoods safer.

The Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dan Price, has launched a £150,000 Safety, Working Together, Action and Prevention (SWAP) Fund.

It is the largest amount the PCC has made available and sees money recovered via the Proceeds of Crime Act, including cash seized or recuperated from criminals operating within Cheshire, put towards community projects.

Mr Price said: “Residents often know best when it comes to what their communities need to feel safer – that's what the SWAP Fund is all about.

“I know from talking to so many residents across Winsford and Northwich that there are some great ideas that could make a real difference.

“The SWAP fund is there to help bring those ideas to life.

“We have so many committed community champions in Winsford and Northwich.

“I can’t wait to read some of these applications, visit some of these initiatives and see the positive impact this funding will have.”

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan PriceCheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price (Image: Supplied)

Community funds have been available from the PCC office in previous years, but this year the SWAP fund is 50 per cent larger and more flexible.

Mr Price has also removed the requirement for all funds to be matched – communities can pledge volunteer hours instead.

As such, anyone is able to apply for between £1k and £5k from the fund, with a particular focus on volunteer groups and not-for-profit organisations.

The Winsford Youth and Community Forum is one such group that has previously benefited from PCC funding.

They have been able to provide a safe space for young people to go to on a Saturday night, promoting positive relationships and encouraging the young people to make positive choices as well as educating them on communication, problem solving and reliability.

Debbie Cragg, executive director of New Images Community Centre, said: “The PCC funding has enabled Winsford Youth and Community Forum to provide a safe, positive space for young people to meet with friends and enjoy activities and games.

“It has allowed our team to build constructive relationships with local young people and by doing this enables us to understand their needs and support them in other areas of their lives.

“We would encourage any local charity looking to support their communities to apply for the PCC funding – the process is easy and there is always encouragement and help on hand for those less experienced in applying for grant funding.”

The PCC is hoping to fund projects focusing on his priorities.

These include improving community safely, reducing offending and reoffending and supporting victims of crime

Mr Price would also like to fund youth engagement projects and schemes centred on crime prevention and early intervention.

More information can be found at www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk.