Herefordshire £1m grant scheme to tackle crime and exploitation

West Mercia Police, the force area's PCC and Herefordshire Council collaborated to provide funding

A £1m grant scheme has been launched to fund projects that tackle crime and the exploitation of young people.

The Safer Communities Grant will be open to bids from not-for-profit groups and schools across Herefordshire.

Successful schemes will provide early support services for children aged between five and 18 and their families.

Individual grants of up to £300,000 will be available over the next two years via an online application process.

West Mercia Police, the force area's police and crime commissioner (PCC) John Campion and Herefordshire Council collaborated to provide the funding for the project.

Councillor Ivan Powell said tackling crime made a huge difference to the quality of life and aspirations of young people.

"When crime and anti-social behaviour is prevented there are significant benefits for both the individuals involved but also for the wider community," he said.