Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner will be investing more into community organisations that support safety and prevent crime.

David Keane has backed up his commitment to supporting these groups in Cheshire by redirecting funding from his commissioning budget to increase the annual Safer Communities Fund by £40,000.

This means that £100K is available over the course of this financial year for projects that want to make a difference in their village, town or city.

David said: “My Safer Communities Fund has already benefited a vast array of projects across Cheshire that work tirelessly to make their communities safer places to live.

“Last year, I was able to fund 15 projects which will make a real difference and will help to reduce crime and promote safety messages to their communities. I’m pleased to be able to commit even more of my budget to this year’s fund.

“The fund is about empowering local people, giving support to local projects and making our local communities safer. Local people understand their area better than anyone else and can make significant contributions to build safer, more secure communities on behalf of the public.”

This week, the commissioner launched the first round of this year’s fund, with £25,000 up for grabs between now and Thursday, May 31, when the first round of applications close.

Applications will be considered from groups whose work is Cheshire based and supports crime prevention or reduction or meets one of the objectives in the commissioner’s police and crime plan.

This could include, but is not limited to, projects that support victims, protect vulnerable people, tackle anti-social behaviour or drug issues, improve road safety or promote a safe night time economy.

This round of the fund closes at 5pm on Thursday, May 31, and successful applicants will be notified by the end of June.

To apply for the fund or for more information, go to cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-im-doing/safer-communities-fund