Criminal cash helps fund Bingley cafe (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Criminal cash helps fund Bingley cafe

4:33pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Aire Valley

A youth project based at a swimming Pool has received £1,000 confiscated from criminals.

Bingley Youth Cafe has been given the funds, obtained by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act, to provide leisure, education and health services for young people.

Officers have praised the cafe, which opened last year in a former maintenance area in the basement at Bingley Pool, for helping reduce anti-social behaviour in the town.

Chief Superintendent Ian Kennedy, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “The Bingley Youth Cafe has established itself as a first- class service for young people which has proved popular with both those who use it and the wider community.

“What we wanted to do was make a contribution to reflect our continuing support to a very worthwhile and successful cause.

“I can think of no better way to spend cash taken from those who have caused harm than in supporting a scheme which does a significant amount of good among residents it serves.”

The cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday and provides services including cooking lessons, arts and crafts workshops, games, music and job advice.