A FRONTLINE community worker has backed the findings of the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s report.

Mark Burns-Williamson’s annual report into the work he has done over the last year focused on the issues which matter most to the public such as tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable people.

The Safer Communities Fund, which hands money recovered from criminals to local organisations, is something Andy Walsh, chief executive of the Sandale Community Hub, at Reevy Road West, in Buttershaw, hopes to benefit from in the near future.

Last year, more than £360,000 was distributed to over 80 groups, a total which now stands at more than £2.4m since it was launched in 2014 with more than 550 projects supported.

Mr Walsh has run the hub for the last decade and runs a youth club, has services for people living with loneliness, operates a food bank with food waste from supermarkets and sells washing machines for those who cannot afford them on finance deals.

The centre was visited by Mr Burns-Williamson yesterday after the report was released, and he was told how the money from the Safer Communities Fund could benefit the work they do at the centre.

“It’s really good we have had the Police and Crime Commissioner here,” said Mr Walsh.

“Proceeds of Crime means we can get more money because organisations like this are starved of funding.”

Mr Walsh also questioned the PCC on the future of Neighbourhood Policing, which has been scaled back significantly in line with cuts from Central Government.

He was reassured it has been re-structured and specialist officers will be working with Mr Walsh to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“It’s very positive to hear they want to bring Neighbourhood Policing back to work alongside the community,” said Mr Walsh.

Speaking about the report, Mr Burns-Williamson said: “A particular focus for me over this last year has been the care for victims.

“We now have an expanded, more accessible service available to victims of all ages through the new Victim Support contract.

“We have established specialised victims hubs in each district of West Yorkshire as well as commissioning a live chat facility.

“I have continued to build the local and national anti-human trafficking and modern slavery networks to help co-ordinate investigations into these crimes and support the victims.

“Policing is currently facing fundamental challenges from an increase in more complex and demanding crime such as cyber crime, missing people and human trafficking, coupled with a continued lack of funding from central Government.”