7 days ago
North Wales preschool builds play area using crime proceeds
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) visited Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni to see how the preschool had developed the space using Your Community, Your Choice funding.
The funding was awarded after the site was damaged by antisocial behaviour.
Mr Dunbobbin said: "It was wonderful to visit Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni and see their determination to rebuild after being victims of crime.
"This project demonstrates how we can turn the proceeds of criminal activity into positive outcomes for our youngest community members."
Your Community, Your Choice is a grant scheme supported by the PCC, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).
It allows the public to vote on projects and is funded partly through money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the PCC.
Over the past 12 years, the scheme has awarded nearly £660,000 to 214 community projects.
Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni used the funding to rebuild its outdoor area after relocating to a new site and being targeted by youths who damaged a shed, bikes, scooters, and other equipment.
Saran Japheth, cylch leader at Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni, said: "This funding means everything to us after what happened.
"The criminal damage left us feeling distraught and the children had to go without the outdoor resources they need.
"Thanks to Your Community, Your Choice, we can now rebuild and create an even better outdoor learning environment that will benefit all our children for years to come."
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The preschool, which serves children aged two to four and runs an after-school club for those up to 11, has used the funding to purchase a new playhouse, mud kitchen, water play equipment, and replacement bikes and scooters.
Ashley Rogers, PACT chairman, said: "Cylch Meithrin Llanllyfni's resilience in the face of criminal damage is inspiring.
"Using funds seized from criminal activity to help them rebuild their outdoor area for children shows exactly why Your Community, Your Choice is so important to our communities."
During his visit, Mr Dunbobbin toured the facilities, met with staff, and heard about the group's efforts to create the outdoor space.
