COMMUNITY and voluntary groups can apply for a grant from a £150,000 fund launched today.

Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, and County Durham Community Foundation have launched the £150,000 Community Safety Fund, which is available for projects and initiatives to help keep communities safe and inspire public confidence.

Mr Hogg said: “The scheme has been very popular in the past and has made a real difference in many communities. I am grateful to the Foundation for their continued support, and together we can make a real difference at a local level.”

Preference will be given to projects that can show they are embedded in a community and are locality focused, such as creating activities for young people in a specific community as opposed to a county wide publicity campaign for public safety.

Durham charity Handcrafted Projects got more than £7,000 last year for its Good Neighbours project, which works to divert people away from chaotic and harmful lifestyles by providing the opportunity to develop skills in woodwork and house renovation.

Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of County Durham Community Foundation, said: “It is wonderful that we are able to continue this important programme in partnership with the PCVC for a fifth year. We are look forward to receiving exciting, innovative bids from groups that look to keep our area safe and inspire confidence within our communities.”

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, April 26.