A share of another £77,000 in funding has been awarded to projects in East Lancashire thanks to cash seized from criminals.

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has awarded the cash to projects, taking the fight to criminals in Lancashire, utilising cash seized from offenders to boost schemes that make the county safer.

Eleven projects across the county, including four in East Lancashire, got funding from the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund (SLNF), including activities to keep people away from crime, installing more CCTV cameras, and supporting vulnerable people.

Projects include ACT at the Cheethams' weekend drop-in centre in Blackburn with Darwen, and Barlick First's youth sessions in Pendle.

Additionally, Oswaldtwistle Immanuel Cricket Club in Hyndburn is receiving funding to boost CCTV, whilst Operation BAUBle project in Blackburn with Darwen, involves security patrols.

St Annes Town Council in Fylde is engaging young people with its £10,000-funded Summer Activity Sessions to address anti-social behaviour concerns and increase community engagement.

These initiatives collectively reflect a robust effort to tackle social issues, enhance safety, and engage young people positively across Lancashire.

Mr Snowden's Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund has supported more than 60 projects since its launch in March 2022.

Mr Snowden said: "I'm happy to put more money into all parts of the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund. These projects share the goal of following my Fighting Crime Plan and keeping people safe.

"By giving money to groups who know their communities well, we can make a real difference across the county. It's even better knowing we're using money taken from criminals.

"By making areas stronger, dealing with the key issues often behind offending, and supporting the work officers do to tackle criminals and get them off our streets.

"I'll keep working closely with the Chief Constable to make sure we're doing what the public wants – punishing those who make life hard for others and keeping Lancashire safe."

East Lancashire projects to benefit from the fund include:

ACT at the Cheethams

Project Name: ACT at the Cheethams

Location: Blackburn with Darwen

Amount of Funding Awarded: £9,804

Summary: The Safe project at the Cheethams, led by ACT at the Cheethams, aims to establish a weekend drop-in centre, providing a safe refuge for children and young people, reducing the risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour and minor crime.

Barlick First

Project Name: Barlick First Youth Sessions

Location: Pendle

Amount of Funding Awarded: £9,560

Summary: The Barlick First Youth Sessions project, led by Barlick First, in Pendle aims to develop targeted sessions for young people aged 11-19, with a focus on the 14-16 age group, addressing anti-social behaviour.

Blackburn BID – Newground CIC

Project Name: Operation BAUBle (Blackburn Against Unacceptable Behaviour)

Location: Blackburn with Darwen

Amount of Funding Awarded: £6,002.50

Summary: Operation BAUBle, a partnership project led by Blackburn BID and Newground CIC, involves security patrols and town centre police-led operations to deter anti-social behaviour and minor crime.

Oswaldtwistle Immanuel Cricket Club

Project Name: CCTV Installation

Location: Hyndburn

Amount of Funding Awarded: £1,371

Summary: Oswaldtwistle Immanuel Cricket Club aims to enhance security through a CCTV installation project, covering the cricket and bowling clubs and entrances to prevent anti-social behaviour.