Arundel youngsters can get grants to help tackle crime

Young people in Arundel who have come up with ideas to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood could be awarded a grant of up to £1,000. 

Grants are available from the West Sussex Safer Place Awards, which are organised by the West Sussex Strategic Community Partnership.

In the past, Safer Place Awards cash was given to initiatives that had captured the attention of judges at an annual event designed to showcase projects devised by young people throughout West Sussex.

Greg Ockwell, of West Sussex County Council's Community Safety Unit, said: "We want to encourage and support young people to help tackle the issues that matter most to them. So now we are offering the money upfront.

"The Safer Place Awards are designed to empower and equip young people to tackle crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods by becoming confident and responsible citizens."

A short-list of the most outstanding projects will be invited to a final event at Slaugham Manor on the 13 May 2011.

He added: "This will give them the opportunity to present their project and also a chance to win the West Sussex High Sheriff's Crimebeat Award and go forward to the national finals – last year, we came third.

"All you need to do is submit an application form which can be downloaded from The Safer Places Awards pages on the County Council website: http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/. The closing date is November 15."

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "The Safer Place Awards highlight the benefit of initiatives that reach out and involve the communities. 

“In the past they have covered a wide range of issues – from misusing drugs to encouraging social cohesion.

"I am confident we will again see another wide range of exciting and imaginative projects from our young people."