Redbridge Council has pledged £50,000 to support crime reduction projects in the borough.

The council is inviting community groups to bid for a portion of the money from the Community Safety Fund.

Organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch, Street Watch and others can apply for funding of between £500 and £3,000.

The awarded funds will then be used to provide training and equipment to help those tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

The council says its Community Safety Fund aims to support good citizenship and is one of the initiatives set up to help cut crime announced in the recent budget.

Other council investment into cutting crime includes £1.5M in CCTV across the borough.

Old street lights have also been replaced across the borough and now have LED lights to keep streets bright to prevent antisocial behaviour.

The number of council enforcement officers in the borough has also been increased to 30 to further tackle crime, and fly-tipping in particular.

Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of the council, said: “We are committed to combatting crime in the borough and this is one of the many initiatives we are funding to help keep our streets safe.  By aiding and supporting local groups with funds we are able to help them promote good citizenship and assist them in crime prevention in their area.”