The Community Covid19 Recovery Fund and Property Fund re-invests money seized from criminal behaviour and over the last year, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall has awarded £227,478 helping to make a real difference in our local communities in our fight against crime.

Peter McCall comments: “Re-distributing money that has come from the ill-gotten gains of criminals can only be a good thing and since the start of the pandemic, the Community Covid19 Recovery Fund and Property Fund grants have provided excellent opportunities for community activities and local charities to put the money where it is needed most and have the biggest impact.

“This year has been tough on so many people, for so many different reasons and I am delighted that we awarded £227,478 of funding back into community projects and activities.

“Early on in the year, we adapted the fund into the Community Covid19 Recovery Fund to help local charities and voluntary community groups to financially manage the new issues which were arising in light of the Covid19 pandemic.

“Such activities are often led by an enthusiastic army of volunteers and their resilience and ability to carry on and help others, regardless of restrictions or lockdowns, has been truly heartwarming to witness in the last 12 months, and another reason why Cumbria communities are some of the safest and most kind spirited places to live in the country.

“The latest round of the Property fund concentrated on supporting projects that engage in community initiatives and interventions for people with mental health problems that may have arisen since the start of the pandemic. We received numerous and innovative applications, which indicates the local need for such projects at this time.

“In the West of the county for example, Around the Combe HWB Alliance volunteers have been helping vulnerable local people with meals, shopping and prescription collection and Bookwell Primary School in Egremont purchased road safety banners, pavement signs, traffic lights and safety tabards. Allerdale Girls FC purchased additional non-contact thermometers and first aid and Brampton and Solway Network Youth Churches received funding to assist with youth outreach work over the summer.”

T/Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “It is pleasing to see that money generated and seized from those who commit crime is redistributed into very worthwhile initiatives within our communities.

“The efforts by community groups not only assist the Constabulary’s efforts to keep people safe, they also make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for people across the county.”

The public are invited to apply for up to £2,500 from the Property Fund to help support projects that engage in community initiatives and interventions to reduce crime. Application details and deadline are outlined on PCC website www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk