MONEY seized from criminals is to be used to help tackle crime in Bury communities as part of a new police scheme.

People in Moorside are being invited to bid for £200 to £2,000 as part of the Giving Back scheme, launched by Greater Manchester Police, which will see money given to groups, organisations and individuals to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

The cash is sourced from the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme, which utilises money taken from criminals, or that they have had to pay back after being convicted of a crime.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council’s cabinet member for communities and safer neighbourhoods, and chair of the Greater Manchester 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.”

GMP are welcoming any ideas to make neighbourhoods a better place to live, and paper applications can be collected and handed in at Sixtown Housing, in Angouleme Way; Bury Town Hall Reception, in Knowsley Street; Springs Housing Office, in Dorset Drive; the Salvation Army, in Brookshaw Street; Green Café Clarence Park, in Walmsley Road; and Freedom Church, in Walmersley Road.

Applications can also be submitted online at www.gmp.police.uk/givingback and by emailing burynorth@gmp.police.uk

The closing date for applications is midday on March 12, and successful groups and individuals will be invited to an event at Freedom Church on March 24 to pitch their ideas to the public.

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.”