WIRRAL community groups can bid for their share of £45,000 from Merseyside's Police Commissioner to help move youngsters away from crime and anti-social behaviour this autumn half-term.

Jane Kennedy will release a round of funding from the Police Property Act Fund (PPA) which allows money raised from the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by police to be used for good causes.

This is the tenth time that the commissioner has invited community organisations, charities and groups which are working to help young people to make the right choices to apply for a vital cash boost of up to £5,000.

Around £378,000 has already been awarded through the PPA to organisations that are making a difference in their communities and since July 2015, the fund has been used to concentrate on youth engagement initiatives.

Ms Kennedy said: "I am pleased to once again be able to open up the Police Property Act Fund for bids of up to £5,000 to organisations which are working to make their communities safer and better places to live by engaging with young people.

“Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of fun and excitement for many people across Merseyside, but sometimes the fun can get out of hand and sadly some communities still experience a rise in criminal and anti-social behaviour during this holiday. Historically, it is a particularly busy time for the police and the fire service.

“Through these grants, I want to help alleviate these issues and prevent local young people from making mistakes they may regret in the future. Once a young person gets a criminal record it can blight their future prospects.

"By using these grants to fund a wide range of fun, safe, organised activities I hope we can prevent young people from getting drawn into any activities which could become intimidating, anti-social or even dangerous to other members of the community.

“These projects will support the excellent diversionary work carried out by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, ensuring that young people can enjoy the autumn festivities in a safe and enjoyable way which is properly supervised.”

Last year funding was handed out to 23 community groups enabling more than 7,500 young people take part in fun, safe, organised activities over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Ms Kennedy added: “Local people know their communities best.

"They know what works when engaging with their young people and I am looking forward to reviewing their ideas and initiatives for ensuring everyone can have a safe and fun Halloween.”

All applications must be submitted online via the Community Foundation for Merseyside by 4pm on Friday, August 30.

To submit an application visit

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/police-property-act-fund to apply