Funding boost for Chelmsley gardening project

A CHELMSLEY Wood group which transforms neglected land into gardens has received a £5,000 boost, thanks to money seized from criminals.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed cash from his Active Citizens Fund will pay for new uniforms and gardening equipment for Gro-Organic's Dig-it Crew.
It is the latest hand-out from the pot of money, which enables criminals' ill-gotten gains to be put to good use in the community.
The Gro-Organic team grow fruit and vegetables, care for rescued battery hens, and help counteract food poverty through community cooking events and distributing food to vulnerable groups in the community.
David Jamieson, the West Midlands PCC, said: "It is pleasing to see how money seized from criminals can be spent making a real difference in the community.
"Transforming abandoned tracts of land into lively community gardens, gives local residents a sense of pride in their area, helping to reduce criminal damage and anti-social behaviour."
Gro-Organic's chief executive Sarah Gill said: "Since 2013, the Dig-it crew have been shaping and transforming the local area.
"The money given by the Police and Crime Commissioner will help us increase the number of community gardens in the local area and support more vulnerable adults to get involved in volunteering."