Caerphilly young people keep the wheels turning during lockdown

Young people from Caerphilly have been keeping busy during lockdown by repairing and restoring old bikes as part of a Police and Crime Commissioner funded project.

Creazione in the Community was granted funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent’s Police Community Fund to help tackle antisocial behaviour and prevent young people from getting involved in crime in the Lansbury Park area.

Most of the work had to stop during lockdown, however, the team were able to keep the bike project running, collecting old bikes which young people are taught how to repair. The young people use the experience to work towards practical qualifications and the bikes are sold back to the community at a low price.

Rhys Davies from Lansbury Park is one of about 10 young people that have been involved with the bike project during lockdown. He said: “If it hadn’t been for this project I would just be staying in every day. I enjoy learning about bikes and how to fix them. I am hoping to do my qualifications and one day become a mechanic.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “It is fantastic to see that this project has continued to run through lockdown, supporting young people who are particularly vulnerable at this time and who would otherwise be at risk from becoming involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.

“By tackling these issues at an early age and giving young people the opportunities to channel their energy into something positive, while gaining experience and qualifications, we can help them to make positive choices for their future.”

The Police Community Fund is open to non-profit organisations that support children and young people who are involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in crime and antisocial behaviour, or those who have been victims of crime.

The fund is partly made up from money seized from criminals.Organisations can bid for sums from £10,000 up to £50,000.