AN Argoed residents’ group set up following the murder of Cerys Yemm is one of 51 Gwent projects to receive over £153,000 in cash seized from criminals.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent yesterday revealed the list of Gwent community projects which have been awarded a share of £153,085 from the Partnership Fund.

The police fund is made up of the cash proceeds of organised crime, convicted drug dealers and the sale of unclaimed found property.

Nearly 210 projects across Gwent including charities, voluntary organisations and community groups applied for a total of more than £1.1 million in funding but less than a quarter could be chosen.

Argoed Residents for a Safer Community was set up following the murder of 22-year-old Cerys Yemm in Argoed in November last year in a bid to make the village safer.

It was originally formed to campaign against the use of bed and breakfasts to house vulnerable people but now works to tackle local issues including dog fouling and speeding.

PCC Ian Johnston has awarded the group £4,630, a sum which chairman Ben Gibbs said is a “huge boost”. Residents have decided to use the money to set up a community hub in Argoed Village Hall, buying computer equipment, stationary and an iPad which will be available for all to use.

The hub will hold monthly surgeries which will offer help and advice on issues including scams awareness and drug and alcohol support.

Chairman Mr Gibbs said: “There aren’t many events and activities happening in the community at the moment, especially for younger people, so we thought it was important that we start organising some activities which would bring the community together and which the children can engage in.

“It’s good to see this money going to good causes. We’ve had a fantastic response from the community and there are lots of residents behind us now.”

Other groups which were awarded funding include Newport and Torfaen homeless charity Eden Gate, which received £5,000, and joint Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen project Show Racism the Red Card which received £9,750.

A Pontypool cycle project, Changing Gearz, has also been awarded £7,820 to employ a specialist mechanic for six months who will train and qualify young people to become trainers themselves.

Gareth Jones, of Torfaen Council who is behind the scheme, said the project aims to “drive young people away from negative or potentially criminal activities” by providing training in bike maintenance and cycle proficiency.

When applying for funding, each of the community groups could ask for between £250 and £10,000 by demonstrating how they make a “positive difference to the community”.

PCC Mr Johnston said the fund is about “taking money from criminals” and putting resources “back into the hands of the law abiding majority”.

He said this year’s funding adds to more than £300,000 which has already been awarded to Gwent’s community projects over the last two years through the Partnership Fund.

Mr Johnston said: “The competition was extremely tough again this year and it’s a shame we couldn’t fund even more projects.”