A NEW project to tackle anti-social behaviour on Orford Park has received funding from Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner.

David Keane has awarded £3,820 from his Safer Communities Fund to LiveWire to support their Parklives project which is run in the park on Friday evenings.

The project was launched in response to reports of anti-social behaviour and substance misuse in the area.

It engages with young people by providing diversionary sports sessions for 14 to 25-year-olds. The young people are given ownership of the project and are allowed to theme the sessions to keep them engaged.

LiveWire plans to recruit young people from Orford to support the sessions and to develop their skills.

David Keane said: “Anti-social behaviour has a negative effect on the community, significantly affecting residents’ quality of life and how safe they feel in their homes.

“Young people often commit anti-social behaviour because they have nothing else to do which is partly a reflection of the underfunding of youth services and diversionary activities.

“That’s why I want to use my Safer Communities Fund to support projects like Parklives that provide a positive focus for young people’s attention and make a real positive difference to those blighted by anti-social behaviour which, ultimately, makes our communities safer.”

Paul Flannery, community sports development officer at LiveWire, added: “The Parklives project is a fantastic initiative that gives young people the opportunity to take part in sports and other positive activities in their own community.

“The sessions happen as a result of consultation with young people and the response from the community has been excellent, with an average of 40 young people participating each week.

“We hope to use the project to sign post young people to further opportunities in their own community, making the area safer for all.

"We are very grateful to the police and crime commissioner for his ongoing support.”