A NEW fund could help communities improve their safety and tackle crime.

Projects in County Durham and Darlington could share in £150,000 from police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg and the County Durham Community Foundation’s community safety fund.

Mr Hogg said: "This scheme was originally managed through my office, and I am delighted to confirm that the new fund will be administered by County Durham Community Foundation.

"I have provided £100,000 of funding to the scheme, and I am pleased to announce this has been topped-up by a further £50,000 from County Durham Community Foundation, under the new grant administration arrangement."

Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of the foundation, said: "This is an exciting new partnership which means that groups who have a particular

focus on safety and crime reduction initiatives will be able to access additional funding.

“We have been able to increase the grant-making total by 50 per cent through match funding that we currently have available. We look forward to working with the PCC and his team."

Applications open on Wednesday. Visit cdcf.org.uk for details.