Seized cash is used for community schemes

Jan 30 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

CASH seized from criminals’ assets is being used to give inner city youngsters a taste of the countryside.

The National Trust’s inner city project is offering 12 to 15-year-olds from the East and West of Newcastle a free programme of activities.

Climbing, canoeing and a residential trip to Cragside in Northumberland are on the agenda thanks to £5,000 from the Government’s Community Cashback scheme.

This sees funds from criminals’ seized assets, such as confiscated cash or property, being earmarked for worthwhile community projects .

Gerard New, trust inner city project manager who is based in Newcastle, said that the programme, which began this month, has so far included using the Byker indoor climbing wall and outdoor activities in the dark at the trust’s Gibside estate.

He said: “Assets which would have been sitting in criminals’ accounts have been put to use in helping inner city youngsters. It is an excellent scheme and I hope it continues. For a lot of youngsters it is a new experience to get out into the countryside and enjoy activities they would not be able to do otherwise.”

The scheme will run until March and there are still some vacancies.