Crowdfunded by the community the Build a Bike project successfully launched

Police in Acton have launched a new hands-on project helping youngsters in the community learn new skills and keep out of trouble.

Money was raised through the Crowdfunding platform and the build a bike scheme has started this month.

Police had already been working in schools and wanted to extend into the community, acting as positive male role models for teenagers who may be at risk of making bad choices.

The idea came from officers from the Safer Neighbourthood Teams and they are working alongside volunteers including those from London Bike Hub, with the aim to engage teenagers and repair bikes. Once the bikes are fixed they are given to the child who has repaired it.

Police have been able to buy the bikes for as little as £10 and had previously appealed for funding for spares and tools. Over £500 was raised from crowdfunding, and the weekly project has just started at the Bollo Lane Youth Club.

Officers PCs Dave Loveday and Chim Nweke who are behind the scheme say each week they have up to seven teenagers attending and are delighted it's going so well.

PC Loveday added: '' It's great to see them getting stuck in and involved in something and as a consequence of this some of the lads have now offered to put a bit back into the community and help clear up Crown Street car park.''

If there's a bricklayer or anyone who can help teach the lads to rebuild the wall in the car park, please contact david.loveday@met.police.uk

18th January 2018