THREE youth projects in St Helens will receive police funding in an attempt to divert young people away from dangerous or criminal activities this Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Funding - totalling £45,000 - raised by the police from the sale of stolen goods, will go to 22 youth organisations across Merseyside, including three in St Helens and five in Knowsley.

Merseyside’s Police Crime Commissioner has awarded £4,895 to groups in St Helens and £10,288 to those in Knowsley, with the aim of preventing young people from getting involved in anti-social or criminal behaviour.

Jane Kennedy has awarded the grants from her Police Property Act Fund, which puts money raised through the sale of unclaimed stolen goods or property recovered by the police that cannot be returned to its owners into worthwhile causes.

She said: "Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of fun and celebration for many people across Merseyside.

"Sadly, though it is also a time when sometimes the fun can get out of hand and lead to young people getting involved in behaviour which can become anti-social, intimidating or even dangerous to other members of the community. This means that historically it is often a very busy period for both Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

"By funding these youth projects across Merseyside, my aim is to help thousands of young people enjoy the festivities in a safe way at organised and well managed events. This will help to ensure they don't get involved in any activities that could either put them in danger or that they may regret in the future."

She added: "This will also help to relieve the strain on our emergency services during this critical period, complementing the excellent diversionary work the police and fire service already carry out and making sure people can enjoy the celebrations during the holiday season."

A total of 68 applications were received for the funding and, as a result, Business for Youth, Playstreets and Under Construction Crew will receive the St Helens share.

Among the successful organisations in Knowsley was Family Voices which received £3,000 to run its Phoenix Night projects for up to 3,000 young people which includes a funfair, DJing and urban arts workshops. 

For further information visit cfmerseyside.org.uk