Dr Doug Naysmith

Labour Party | Bristol North West

"Spend the criminals' money in your community" says MP

23rd July 2009

Doug Naysmith wants his constituents to use the government's Community Cashback Scheme to benefit their neighbourhoods

Doug Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West, is urging his constituents to have their say in how £4 million of recovered criminal assets should be used for the good of local people.

Dr Naysmith said, "Community groups have put forward projects for funding and now we all have the chance to comment and say where the money should go."

Community Cashback projects have to show how they will make a difference to community life by reducing anti-social behaviour. The Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) has already checked the applications for suitability and listed them on its website. Now it is the public's turn to have its say and then the LCJB will send a shortlist of projects to a central panel to make its decision.

Doug Naysmith said, "There are so many good projects in Bristol North West that I am in a dilemma. I've been working with Sam Townend (PPC for Bristol North West) and Ian Boulton (PPC for Filton and Bradley Stoke) to support one each but it still leaves some worthwhile projects out."

Sam Townend said, "Choosing between regeneration projects in Horfield, Henbury Fun Day, Lawrence Weston Community Transport, CCTV in Ridingleaze or other good schemes is really difficult. That is why we want the public to get involved."

Ian Boulton said, "There are some excellent schemes in Filton and Bradley Stoke as well as city and county-wide ones. I shall be badgering all my friends to put in a good word for them. All you do is go to the CJB's website (http://www.cjsonline.gov.uk), follow the links to ‘What's happening in your area?', click on ‘Avon and Somerset' and then ‘Community Cashback'. Then you can read about all the schemes and support the one you think will help your community most."