Congleton community groups have been urged to apply for what Cheshire's top cop calls a 'Cashback Fund'.

Local organisations across Congleton LPU have until Wednesday 16 November to put their project forward for a share of £10,000 from Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer's Community Cashback Fund.

This is where money seized from criminals is invested back into the local community.

The project coincides with the one year anniversary of Congleton LPU, which was set up last November to improve policing in Beartown.

Mr Dwyer has an office in Winsford. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

Grants ranging from £100 to £1,500 are available for groups based in Congleton and the wider parliamentary constituency, including Alsager, Middlewich, Sandbach, Holmes Chapel.

Rural causes in Congleton-area villages are also encouraged to apply. The scheme's launch followed feedback from a public meeting at St. John's Community Centre earlier this year.

All applications must meet the criteria, which can be found at this link.

Mr Dwyer said: "I'm really pleased that the Community Conversations kicked off in Congleton on a positive note and I'm looking forward to seeing the ideas raised by residents developed into long-term plans for their community.

Congleton Police Station is located on Market Square. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

"Through the Community Cashback Fund, each LPU area in Cheshire will receive £10,000 that has been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

"I'm determined to show that crime doesn't pay, and that this money is spent in the community, by the community and for the community."

A panel including local people will review all applications before projects are put to a public vote, where residents can choose which ones they'd like to see go ahead.

Residents are also invited to an event at 6:30pm on Tuesday 29 November, at Eaton Bank Academy, Jackson Road, Congleton, CW12 1NT, where they will have a chance to hear from organisations about their projects, vote on them, and learn which ones have been successful.

The England, Cheshire and British flags fly outside Cheshire Police HQ. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

Applicants must be able to attend this meeting, however there is no need for residents to register to attend. 

The Conservative PCC since May 2021 added:

"I've been really enthused by the feedback from residents across Congleton LPU as a result of the Community Conversation and it's been great to see local organisations coming forward with some fantastic projects to make their area even better.

"If your group can play a part in making Cheshire even safer, I want to hear from you. And if you're a resident, I hope you'll come along to the event on Tuesday 29 November to hear more about the local projects you can support."

Congleton: Would you accept money donated to charity if it came from criminals?

The Community Cashback Fund is being delivered in each Local Policing Unit through a Community Conversation where residents can discuss what's good about their area and what needs to improve, with the support of Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer and Cheshire Constabulary.

To find out more about the Congleton Community Conversation, please head to this link or email [email protected].

Earlier this year, Mr Dwyer was criticised for increasing the pay of his deputy by a third.

Please click here and here to read that article.

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