FOUR Wirral community groups have received funding from the crime commissioner to help enjoy safe activities over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

The Hive Wirral Youth Zone, Birkenhead Youth Club, CBED Wirral Wide Development Trust and The Carrbridge Centre LTD are among 24 community projects across Merseyside receiving a share of £45,000 from the Police Property Act (PPA), raised by the police from the sale of stolen goods.

Fund which directs money raised through the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by the police that cannot be returned to its owners into worthwhile causes.

Funds are used to run activities and projects which keep young people safe and divert them away from getting involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.

Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of fun and excitement for many people across Merseyside and there are some fantastic events being held.

"Sadly, though, it is also a time when sometimes the fun can get out of hand and lead to young people getting involved in behaviour which can become intimidating, anti-social or even dangerous to other members of the community.

"This means it is often a very busy period for both Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

"By funding these youth projects across Merseyside, my aim is to help thousands of young people enjoy the festivities in a safe and enjoyable way at organised and well managed events.

"This will help to ensure they don’t get involved in any activities that could either put themselves or others in harm's way.

"It could also prevent them from getting involved with behaviour that they may come to regret in the future.

"For this year's successful organisations, even a small cash boost can make a huge difference and will enable them to run some fantastic grassroots projects which really engage with young people's imaginations while keeping them safe."

A total of 72 applications were received for the funding, amounting to requests for more than £230,000.

Among the successful organisations were The Hive, Wirral Youth Zone, which received £3,000 to run “HiveAgeddon: The Survivors” scarefest for more than two weeks, reaching 2,600 young people.

Birkenhead Youth Club's share of £2,000 will be used to give 150 young people 12 sessions of Safe, Positive, Diversionary activities and access to the Sports Development's Sports mobile.

CBED Wirral Wide Development Trust's share of £1,500 will help provide Halloween activities, parade and event for the period including working in schools in the area over a two-week period

The Carrbridge Centre LTD's £2,500 boost will provide youth service provision over the half term, ending with a celebration event for local children and young people including 'festival of the Hallow' and Bonfire night community celebration.