A COMMUNITY organisation looking to help create a more resilient and accessible local food system was visited by police officers on Wednesday. 

Growing Links CIC, based in Gulval, had recently applied for Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) funding in order to help them purchase gardening equipment. On Wednesday, representatives from Growing Links were met by PCSO Julia Berry and PC Andy Sells who informed them that their bid for £600 had been successful. 

Founded in 2013, Growing Links says it is working to establish a local, resilient, and sustainable food system through "applied permaculture design and ethics, chemical-free horticulture, education, and observation – bringing communities together to grow, celebrate and eat, whilst increasing wellbeing as well as access to locally grown food."

The Proceeds of Crime Act was established to deprive convicted criminals of financial benefit from their crimes and empowers the Police with the sale of assets to pay off their confiscation order with surplus funds being invested into local community projects.

In an update posted on its social media page, Falmouth and Helston Police said: "PCSO Julia Berry and PC Andy Sells were delighted to meet workers and volunteers yesterday at Growing Links at Gulval yesterday when they popped in to tell them that their recent POCA application for £600 had been successful.

"Growing Links applied for funding from POCA to purchase gardening equipment including a wheel barrow, strimmer and other items to assist with the great work they are doing within the community."