COMMUNITY groups across Keighley could share in a £1 million bonanza.

The cash is being made available in the latest round of the Safer Communities Fund.

Any groups working to improve safety are being urged to apply.

The fund, administered by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin, distributes money seized from criminals by police and prosecutors to good causes.

Since 2021, over £2.3 million has been given away.

Theme for the latest grants allocation – the biggest to date – is 'Multiple and Complex Needs', a key priority in the mayor’s Police and Crime Plan.

Organisations working to reduce reoffending and support victims of crime are particularly encouraged to submit applications.

Ms Brabin says: "In West Yorkshire, we’re using the ill-gotten gains of criminals to build a safer, fairer region.

"We have £1 million of cash seized from criminals to invest into projects working right at the heart of our communities.

"If you have an idea that will make your local area and its residents safer, we want to hear from you."

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable, John Robins, echoes the call.

He adds: "This is an opportunity for deserving causes that work to reduce reoffending and support victims of crime in West Yorkshire to benefit from asset seizures made by the police. "I know that removing ill-gotten gains from criminals gives tremendous satisfaction to our officers.

"The fact that organisations which help make our communities stronger and safer are supported by the mayor’s fund is equally pleasing."

In the past two years, the fund has supported more than 220 organisations and projects, including a number across the Keighley district.

Beneficiaries in the last round included Hainworth Wood Community Centre, which was awarded £7,500.

Provision at the centre includes a luncheon club, toddler group, computer IT, seated exercise, a community kitchen, a warm space facility, food bank projects and the distribution of weekly emergency parcels.

The grant was to enable the centre to extend activities for eight-to-11-year-olds, with Saturday-morning sessions.

Applicants this time can choose from one of three categories – grants of between £15,000 and £20,000, from a pot of £750,000, to give larger projects more flexibility; grants of up to £8,000, from a pot of £250,000, for smaller initiatives; and a 'collaboration pot', enabling two organisations to apply together for a maximum of £40,000.

For further information and to apply, visit westyorks-ca.gov.uk/policing-and-crime/mayor-s-safer-communities-fund.

The deadline for applications is November 10.