A community group which helps tackle crime in the district has been given more than £9,000 from the Port of Dover.

This is one of 10 projects to have received funding from the Port’s Community Fund, amounting to £71,000.

Dover Partnership Against Crime was established in 1995 and involves traders, business people, the police and local authorities in tackling crime in Dover, Deal and Sandwich through a dedicated radio system that links them all.

The group will use the grant to buy digital radios in order to continue its work as the analogue system becomes obsolete.

Karen Griffiths, DPAC coordinator, said: “This will be another step closer to going digital thanks to this grant. Something we didn’t think we could even consider before. By having a digital radio system instead of analogue, the whole radio security will be much tighter.

“Only those who are part of the DPAC system will be able to listen in to the channel.

“The radio transmissions will be much clearer so members will not have to repeat themselves because of a crackly radio. By going digital DPAC will be able to extend into Whitfield allowing them to share information too.

“It goes without saying that allowing us to prevent and deter using a good radio system enables the community in general to benefit.

“We at DPAC would like to say a huge thank you to the Port of Dover Community Fund.”

“It goes without saying that allowing us to prevent and deter using a good radio system enables the community in general to benefit." - Karen Griffiths.

Last week, the Kent Community Fund (KCF) manager, Bruce Topham, and Community Fund panel member, Ronnie Philpott, presented a cheque to the group.

Tim Waggott, chief executive, at the Port of Dover, said: “I am delighted that the Community Fund will be able help DAPC and support them in the important work they are doing in their communities. The fund has been established to support projects and activities in Dover and I look forward to seeing the charity develop further in the future.”

The 20 projects chosen for funding this year cover a wide range of important community themes from youth support, crime prevention, health, maritime skills, art and sport.

Carol Lynch, chief executive at Kent Community Foundation, said: “DPAC continues to enhance Dover as a great place to live, work and visit. The panel members were delighted to make this award, which will support DPAC in the important role it plays in the town.”