Cash seized from crooks will fund youth activities

And Cumbernauld is getting a ten per cent share of 56,000 taken from crooks and redistributed in North Lanarkshire.

The investment comes from the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities scheme, which helps youth groups and sporting bodies to deliver free diversionary activities for young people aged ten to 19.

More than 243 projects across Scotland are benefiting from a total investment of 1.4 million, which is being awarded to YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work.

The Cumbernauld YMCA-YWCA is among the North Lanarkshire groups to benefit - in a move that has been hailed by Jamie Hepburn MSP.

He said: "The YMCA/YWCA in Cumber-nauld has a well-deserved reputation for the excellent work they do with young people and the wider community.

"This cash boost from the Scottish Government is aimed at funding a range of activity, which I have no doubt will contribute to their ongoing success.

"The Cashback for Communities programme is making a big difference to youth projects across Scotland, and it is turning assets seized from criminals into positive choices for our younger generations.

"I've written to Cumber-nauld YMCA/YWCA's chief executive Eleanor Campbell to congratulate her and the whole team on their success in this latest funding round."

Since Scottish Government Justice Minister, Kenny MacAskill, launched CashBack for Communities in June 2007, more than 13 million has been invested in projects across Scotland and more than 100,000 young people have taken part in CashBack-funded activities.

Mr MacAskill said: "We're working together to build a safer and stronger Scotland by taking cash from criminals and reinvesting it into the affected communities.

"The work taking place in North Lanarkshire is offering young people the chance to experience different activities and develop new skills for life."