Greater Manchester Police is launching a brand new initiative to put money seized from criminals back in to local communities.

“Giving Back” helps GMP and partners give money to individuals, organisations and groups to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhoods. This is part of GMP’s commitment to listening to and working with people to tackle the issues that matter most to them.

People can bid for between £200 and £2,000 in Moorside in Bury and GMP is looking for people to put forward their ideas for how the money could be spent and then decide who gets funding.

Chief Superintendent Paul Savill from Greater Manchester Police said: “It’s crucial that the people who live in our area have the final say on how funding is allocated as part of this scheme. We worked hard to find out which issues matter most to communities so it’s only right that we ask them to decide how it can best be tackled.

“By working together and putting money gained illegally back into our areas we can continue to create happier, healthier and safer place to live, work and enjoy.”

GMP welcomes ideas from individuals, groups or organisations for innovative projects that focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and make their neighbourhood a better place to live.

The Force and its partners are also holding an event, inviting applicants who are successful at the first stage of the process to present their idea to people from the community – they need as many people as possible from the area to come along, listen to the ideas and vote for the one they think will make the most difference.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council’s cabinet member for communities and safer neighbourhoods, and chair of the GM Police and Crime Panel, said: “Feeling safe is a fundamental human need. We work closely with communities to listen to what they want and so this opportunity can give some community organisations the chance to take some responsibility for addressing the crime and anti-social behaviour issues which matter most to people.”

If you think you or a group/organisation you’re involved with have a great idea to help tackle antisocial behaviour visit www.gmp.police.uk/givingback to apply to the scheme.

For more information on “Giving Back” inBury North or to submit an electronic application form please email burynorth@gmp.poilce.uk

Paper applications can be picked up & dropped off at the following location;

* Sixtown Housing – 6 Knowsley Place, Angouleme Way Bury BL9 0ST

* Bury Town Hall Reception – Knowsley Street Bury, Bl9 0ST

* Springs Housing Office – 55 Dorset Drive Bury BL9 9DN

* Salvation Army 18 Brookshaw Street, Bury BL9 6EB

* Green Café Clarence Park, Bowling Pavilion, Walmsley Road, Bury Bl9 5DH

* Freedom Church, Link House, 35 Walmersley Road Bury BL9 5AE

Support with application is available by attending any of the above locations or contacting the Local Policing Team on burynorth@gmp.poilce.uk

Submissions close midday 12th March 2018 after which an event will be held for those who are successful at the application process to pitch their idea to the public:

* 12pm on Saturday 24th March 2018 at Freedom Church, Link House, 35 Walmersley Road, Bury Bl9 5AE