Bristol communities put money from criminals to good use

Twelve projects voted for by the communities served by Avon and Somerset police are celebrating after being awarded money confiscated from criminals.

Under the £4 million Community Cashback scheme, each criminal justice area in Britain could bid for up to £95,000 to spend on projects proposed or voted for by the community to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

After several rounds of shortlisting, 13 projects from the Avon and Somerset area were submitted for funding, and all but one were successful in getting awards.

Kenny Brown, a member of the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board and Governor of Bristol Prison, said: "The public response was overwhelming. We received over 200 nominations, more than any other area in the UK."

The twelve successful projects are:

● Montpellier Park Regeneration – Bristol

Funding will allow the installation a new perimeter fence around the park.

● Dreamscheme – South Gloucestershire

Funding will enable a Dreamscheme to be established in the Filton, Patchway and Bradley Stoke areas to encourage children to take part in activities benefiting the community.

● Milton Nomads JFC – Weston-Super-Mare

A fence will go up around Baytree Recreation Ground.

● Renov8 – Fromeside Youth Project – Winterbourne

Renovations to Fromeside Youth Centre.

● Abbots Pool Protection Project – Abbots Leigh

Barriers to be installed at the entrance.

● The Friday Nite Vibe – Dulverton

Funding for a Friday night youth drop-in cafe.

● Community Speed Watch – South Somerset

People will be able to buy speedguns to tackle speeding.

● Seaward Way Dreamscheme – Minehead

● Energize Youth Diversion – Taunton

A project based in Taunton which will provide activities for young children.

● Martock Bicycle Scheme – Martock

Cycle maintenance project to occupy youngsters.

● Be Scam Wise – Mendip and South Somerset

A security education project.

● Encouraging Good Behaviour Through Sports – Mendip and South Somerset

This project is being supported by Yeovil Town Football Club.