The project, delivered by Chorley Borough Council in partnership with Preston North End Community Trust, delivers alternative youth provision at Westway Sports Hub, after receiving £2,760 from the Commissioner’s Summer Community Fund.

The sessions run at peak times where ASB has been reported, with staff outreach taking place before the project. It is delivering throughout the summer holiday period,  to ensure those involved will benefit most.

With activity every week including training sessions from qualified coaches, and the opportunity to signpost to other services, the diversionary activity aims to make a difference in the short term whilst helping the long term aims to tackle ASB and prevent crime.

Op Prosper,  the name of the project run by Chorley Council, was delivered in a similar way during summer 2023 elsewhere in the borough, receiving the High Sheriff Shivery Award in recognition of its impact.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“Projects like this one in Chorley make a big difference for local areas, and lessen the demand on officers by preventing crime, and delivering value for money with comparatively small investments.

“School holidays can be a challenge, and I launched my Summer Community Fund after talking to local officers and community safety partners, as it can often be the time when young people are at risk of getting involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, or becoming victims themselves.

“I’m pleased to see the positive difference Op Prosper is having, alongside similar projects across the county. As Commissioner, preventing offending and protecting the public are my key priorities and these can only be delivered through strong leadership, a strong police force, and strong deterrents.”

Councillor Beverley Murray, Executive Member (Early Intervention) said:

“As a council we work hard to tackle and hopefully eradicate anti- social behaviour through partnership work such as this, engagement with young people and successful funding bids enable us to offer the diversionary work each half term for the last 12 months.  We hope to continue this vital work if funding is available as it has made a significant difference for some of our most vulnerable young people in the borough.”

The Community Fund is currently open for applications until Monday, 23rd of September 2024, 8.30am.

Full application details and fund criteria can be found at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/grant-funding.