Andrew Selous MP has welcomed new money for local projects to keep communities in South West Bedfordshire safe with preventative measures and support for young people, recently announced by Communities Secretary James Brokenshire.
Central Bedfordshire will receive £202,000 for frontline workers from the voluntary and community sector who will work alongside schools’ staff to raise awareness and as a preventative measure, targeting 8 – 15 year olds, deliver parent/carer information sessions and the Local Authority will co-ordinate youth crime themed events bringing together professionals from different disciplines as to support the sharing of knowledge, skills and opportunities.
The funding will go towards support workers, community groups and teachers working with young people to safeguard them against gangs and knife crime in the first place.
Knife crime continues to be a real concern for South West Bedfordshire residents which is why the Offensive Weapons Bill will give the police extra powers to tackle knife crime and ban dangerous weapons such as zombie knives, knuckle dusters and death stars.
The Police Funding Settlement will see Bedfordshire Police’s budget rise by £8m to £112.7m in 2019/ 20, the biggest increase since 2010 to ensure the police have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.
Commenting, Andrew Selous MP said:
“We are doing more to protect our most vulnerable families in South West Bedfordshire from the scourge of gang crime.
“One violent incident is one too many and has devastating consequences for all involved.
“The projects we are funding offer real alternatives and hope to young people in South West Bedfordshire so they have the opportunity to get on in life.”