POLICE and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer visited Croft Youth Activity Centre (CYAC) to speak to representatives from Croft Parish Council about how his Community Action Fund has helped them to prevent and tackle crime.
In August 2021 an illegal encampment on land behind CYAC and subsequent anti-social behaviour caused the local community in Croft a significant amount of distress. The site was left in a bad condition and residents were concerned that the same thing could easily happen again.
This led Croft Parish Council to apply to the Community Action Fund, so that kick rail barriers could be installed around the land to prevent further incidents. When he visited, the Commissioner was greeted with the news that so far there have been no repeats.
Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, said: “Preventing and tackling crime is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, so it’s great to be able to support residents in Croft with a simple crime prevention initiative through my Community Action Fund.
“People expect and deserve to feel safe in their communities. I was really pleased to hear from the Parish Council that the kick rail barriers are delivering peace of mind and a feeling of safety for local residents and I hope this continues to be the case.”
The prevention of any further illegal encampments and related anti-social behaviour has meant policing and local council resources have been able to be dedicated where they are needed more in the community.
Cllr Paul Campbell, Chair of Croft Parish Council said: “The parish council and people of Croft would like to thank the Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer for the financial support we received in our work to put in the kick rails and security barrier at CYAC.”
For information about CYAC, go to: www.warrington.gov.uk/croft-community-centre-and-youth-activity-centre
To find out more about the Community Action Fund, see: www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-the-commissioner-does/community-funding/community-action-fund/
