Police Authority Funding for Elderly Shrewsbury Residents
A group of elderly Shrewsbury residents helping bridge the generation gap in their local community, are to receive official funding from the police.
Residents of Moston Green sheltered housing scheme in Sundorne, Shrewsbury have recently been teaming up with local youngsters thanks to the efforts of the Local Policing Team. The get-togethers have proved so successful with a positive impact on community relations, that West Mercia Police Authority has approved £300 from its community initiatives fund to promote further links.
Police Constable Andy Gardner, the Local Policing Officer for Sundorne and Battlefield, said: “Residents of Moston Green sheltered housing scheme have been extremely supportive of the Local Policing Team and have engaged in numerous activities involving young people from the Sundorne area. We have organised a number of community events involving the Moston Green residents and the use of their community room. They have positively engaged with local young people and continue to provide positive role models for youngsters in the area. Residents met regularly to socialise and to take part in various pastimes. They have expressed a wish to be able to travel short distances as a group on visits and to socialise with other groups. The cost of transport is prohibitive and this type of activity rarely takes place due to the cost.”
PC Gardner said the Police Authority grant would fund the hiring of mini buses for outings. He added: “I’m grateful to the Authority for its support. The Local Policing Team will arrange for the young people to accompany and assist residents on outings. This will further develop the successful inter-generation project currently running.”
