TWO anti-crime community projects have been shortlisted to receive funding from the Criminal Justice System.
The two ideas for helping to reduce crime in the borough are among 32 London-wide projects that have been shortlisted out of 200 to received a 'Community Cashback' grant.
The projects can be awarded up to £95,000 each, part of a £4million fund in England and Wales recovered by police from criminal assets, such as confiscated cash or property.
The 'Safe Homes Project' is a crime prevention project to fit wireless intruder alarms for 60 of the most vulnerable elderly or disabled residents in the north of the borough who are anxious about home safety.
If the project is a success, it is intended to be rolled out to the whole of the borough.
Another shortlisted project is by performing arts school X7eaven, in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, to provide workshops for disadvantaged young people in an attempt to motivate them and deter them from crime.
Teachers would hold an 11-day intensive performing arts course for 14 to 21 year olds during the school holidays and help them write a CV and make a showreel to further their careers.
Dance teacher at X7eaven, Marlon Kameka, said it has applied for less than half of the £90,000 grant.
He said: "We want to create something in the area for young people to do in the holidays to engage them. And by doing a showreel and CV, it could help better their chances of entering further education.
"We liaise with the police and hear about terrible shootings and stabbings going on nearby and we just hope we can help encourage young people not to get involved in crime and to have something to aspire to."
He added: "There were 200 applicants, so to get shortlisted down to 32 is great. Now it is just down to the public to vote, so we are thinking positively and hoping we get through."
To register your vote for a project to win the funds, visit: www.cjsonline.gov.uk/Londoncashback
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