Torbay project grants to discourage anti-social behaviour

A mural has been painted on East Street in the Torquay town centre

Projects aimed at discouraging anti-social behaviour have been given grants of up to £6,000, a council has said.

Torbay Council said it had awarded grants of between £500 and £6,000 to five groups from its Safer Streets Community Innovation Fund.

The projects involve fence repairs, vegetation planting, murals and an art trail.

It said a project on East Street, involving a mural and the installation of solar lighting, was nearly finished.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, cabinet member for adult and community services, said the projects were designed to discourage anti-social behaviour.

She said "alongside our partners in the police, we've been delivering improvements in the town centre, such as more CCTV cameras" and wanted members of the public to be involved.

The project bids were from various organisations, including local community groups, registered charities and social enterprises.

Project bosses said: "The primary goal was to enhance public spaces through engagement and physical improvements to empower local residents to drive change in their community."

The council encouraged other community groups to apply for a Police and Crime Commissioner Grant by 8 November.