The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, Clive Grunshaw, recently visited the Operation Prosper project in Chorley addressing concerns around anti-social behaviour.

Operated by Chorley Council in collaboration with Preston North End Community Trust, the project at the Westway Sports Hub is supported by a £2,760 grant from the Commissioner's Summer Community Fund.

The scheduled sessions coincide with peak periods of reported anti-social behaviour.

Staff perform outreach prior to each session and activities run throughout the school holidays, timing believed to maximise benefits.

Each week offers youth the chance to engage in training sessions from qualified coaches and to be directed towards other services if required.

The initiative aims to create immediate change while supporting the broader long-term objectives of addressing anti-social behaviour and preventing crime.

Op Prosper, Chorley Council's project, executed a similarly successful project in summer 2023 leading to the win of the High Sheriff Shivery Award in recognition of its powerful impact.

Mr Grunshaw said: "Projects like this one in Chorley make a big difference for local areas, and lessen the demand on officers by preventing crime, and delivering value for money with comparatively small investments."

He added: "School holidays can be a challenge, and I launched my Summer Community Fund after talking to local officers and community safety partners, as it can often be the time when young people are at risk of getting involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, or becoming victims themselves.

"I’m pleased to see the positive difference Op Prosper is having."

Executive member for early intervention, Councillor Beverley Murray, added: "As a council, we work hard to tackle and hopefully eradicate anti-social behaviour.

"Successful funding bids enable us to offer the diversionary work each half term for the last 12 months.

"We hope to continue this vital work if funding is available as it has made a significant difference for some of our most vulnerable young people in the borough."

The community fund is welcoming applications until September 23, 8.30am.