Sandbach community groups have been urged to apply for what Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner calls a 'Cashback Fund'.

Local organisations who are based inside the boundaries of Congleton Local Policing Unit (see map) have the better part of two months to put their project forward for a share of £10,000 from Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer's Community Cashback Fund.

This is where money seized from criminals is invested back into the local community.

Charities, schools and other organisations are welcome to apply.

The fund had a soft launch in smaller areas of the county in November, and now larger areas like Macclesfield has also seen the grant applications open.

The fund is now open for all areas and will close at 9am on Friday 27 January 2023.

Grants ranging from £100 to £1,500 for Sandbach groups and good causes.

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Those applying must meet the criteria, which can be found at this link.

The money comes from crimes which have been solved. Cheshire Police Commissioner John Dwyer had this to say on the fund:

"Through the Community Cashback Fund, each LPU area in Cheshire will receive £10,000 that has been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act," he said.

"I'm determined to show that crime doesn't pay, and that this money is spent in the community, by the community and for the community.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the ideas raised by residents develop into long-term plans for their community."

Mr Dwyer has an office in Winsford, as part of Cheshire Police's headquarters. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

A panel including local people will review all applications before projects are put to a public vote, where residents can choose which ones they'd like to see go ahead.

While £10,000 is up for sharing in the Congleton Policing Unit, there are nine policing wards across Cheshire, so in total £90,000 will be given out by the force.

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The Community Cashback Fund is being delivered in each Local Policing Unit through a Community Conversation where residents can discuss what's good about their area and what needs to improve, with the support of Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer and Cheshire Constabulary. 

"I'm delighted to be able to support Cheshire's communities with funding that has been seized from the ill-gotten gains of criminals. This money should be used to fund community improvements, not criminal lifestyles," Mr Dwyer added.

"Through the Community Cashback Fund, local people will be able to work hand-in-hand with their policing team to improve their area. This is all about working together to make Cheshire even safer so if you've got an idea for a project that will make a real difference, I want to hear from you."

Alsager: The application form and terms can be found on this link.