Aston project to continue under new name
Gloucestershire County Council have taken over the initiative after it was scrapped by Gloucestershire police
A Gloucestershire man is eternally grateful to Shire Hall chiefs for keeping the ethos going of a project named after his late wife which “saved children from crime”.
The Aston Project, named after the late neighbourhood police constable Lynn Aston who died at the age of 48 in 2011, is a community focused initiative that identifies at-risk young people and links them with resources or activities within their communities.
The Gloucestershire Constabulary-managed scheme is being scrapped as the force seeks to make budget cuts to plug the £12.3m funding gap they face and focus on their core policing responsibilities.
But now Gloucestershire County Council leaders have intervened to set up a new project which will carry the ethos of the Aston Project forward.
Children’s safeguarding and care cabinet member Ben Evans (LD, Brockworth) announced the new project this month.
The rebranded Aston Award will employ youth workers in targeted schools across Gloucestershire to work with children and young people with additional needs, at risk of exclusion or with needing support with attendance.
The Aston Award will retain the name of the well respected project named in memory of PC Lynne Aston, and will reward pro-social behaviours and choices such as volunteering in local communities.
Cllr Evans said he was delighted Shire Hall has worked with partners and communities to “be able to retain the Aston Project in Gloucestershire”.
He said: “Our project will reward pro-social behaviours in young people, especially those who are facing additional barriers.
“By working in partnership with schools we will target our resources to those young people and families who show the massive potential that we want to unlock.
“I hope it respects PC Lynn Aston’s memory whilst being the best use of council resources to support young people within a challenging budget”
Eamonn Aston, who was Lynn’s husband, was delighted with the announcement.
He said: “The fact the council are prepared to engage so deeply and thoroughly is incredibly pleasing and flattering as well.
“They didn’t have to follow that path and the fact they understand what the Aston Project means, not just in a personal effect but more so the impact directly on the children.
“I’m eternally grateful they can see the merits and benefits of this project.”