A COMMUNITY project which has been cleaning the streets of Solihull while reducing anti-social behaviour has received £5,000 from the police.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, has granted the money seized from criminals to pay for the litter picking programme Talking Rubbish.
The cash will pay for equipment to pick up litter in the area.
The grant comes from the Active Citizen Fund which is used to boost community organisations in the area.
Communities can bid for the cash all year round if they believe they have a project which can reduce crime.
The project has been running for three years and has over 300 members.
Across the borough there is at least one group out picking litter every week.
Although the scheme was set up initially to improve the environment there have been the added benefits of reducing anti-social behaviour and bringing communities closer together.
Founder of Talking Rubbish Chris Dunster said: “I am very pleased that the Police and Crime Commissioner has been able to fund our project.
“I believe that it is important that we take the time to look after our local community.
“Areas that are cared for by the local communities experience less crime”.
PCC David Jamieson said: “It is important that communities take the initiative to take care of their local area.
“I am pleased to see that my Active Citizens Fund is being used to help improve the environment in the West Midlands and increase community engagement.
“By ensuring that our streets are clean and having people out every week there is no doubt that they are having an impact in preventing crime”.
