Money seized from criminals has been used to support improvements at the Bromford and Firs Community Centre and expansion of the Bromford Safe Haven Base, including the expansion of a boxing gym.
Pictured from left: PC Gareth Sankey, Craig O’Dell, Tina O’Dell, David Jamieson and PC Dave Steedman
David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, has awarded the centre £11,260 from Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) funding to enable the centre to offer more services, offer longer opening hours and expand the boxing gym.
David Jamieson spoke to young people about the positive impact the project was having on them and how it was helping their local community, on a visit to the Bromford and Firs Community Centre.
After visiting the project, Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said:
“This is an excellent project that will give local young people the chance to take part in worthwhile activities. I am proud to support this project and give young people on the Bromford and Firs estate a safe place to visit to keep them out of trouble.
“An important part of this project is giving young people the chance to meet positive role models in a safe environment.
“Taking part in sports like boxing gives young people the chance to manage their aggression and frustrations in a productive way, as well as teaching young people important skills like self-discipline and improving their fitness.
“Taking money and assets used in criminality and investing it to help the local community improve their facilities is a perfect use of this funding.”
Tina O’Dell from O’Dell’s Community Pride Amateur Boxing Club said:
“We are extremely grateful for this funding. It means that we are able to help many more young people on the Bromford and Firs estate, especially those who may not have been able to afford to come previously.
“The improved equipment that we are able to purchase will mean that we can work with more young people, helping to give them a more positive outlook and allowing them to meet positive role models.”
PCSO Thomas Bradbury, who applied for the POCA funding said:
“This is a great demonstration of partnership working between the police, council and community members which has helped to create O’Dells Community Pride and allowed the club to flourish in the heart of the Firs and Bromford estate”
The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/29/contents
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