First Step Trust - SMaRT

BROWN GIVES GO AHEAD TO SMaRT PROJECT (Precise Communications, Press Release)

 

Gordon Brown has given the green light to a new scheme that aims to get abandoned vehicles off the streets in Salford , whilst also providing much needed employment for socially disadvantaged people in the area.

The Chancellor announced the whopping £1.5million funding through the Invest to Save Fund during his annual Budget speech last week.

The Socially Minded and Responsible Trading (SMaRT) initiative – the first of its kind in Europe- has been supported from its conception, by Precise Public Affairs.

Commenting on the news, Robbie MacDuff, Director of Precise stated, “We are absolutely thrilled for FST. The funding will enable the organisation to finally get their project off the ground and this will clearly help attract the additional funding needed to secure the scheme’s future. Precise have thoroughly enjoyed working with the SMaRT team and are delighted to have been able to contribute to their fantastic achievement. We look forward seeing the project in action and being part of the First Step Trust’s continued success in the future.”

Keith Hill MP, Minister for Housing and Planning in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister echoed Precise’s congratulations and added, "I am delighted that the Government is providing £1.5 million to kick start the SMaRT scheme. Nuisance vehicles, whether abandoned, untaxed or unlicensed, stain neighbourhoods across the country. Last November, I launched a new National Strategy on Nuisance Vehicles to combat this growing problem and it's great that SMaRT adds a new string to its bow.

"I am impressed that the scheme will also provide vital experience, support and training to people whose disabilities have left them unemployed and disadvantaged.  It shows that environmental crime and social exclusion can be tackled side by side. SMaRT will make a real difference to Salford , and its community, and I hope that this innovative approach will inspire other projects across the country." 

For more information please contact Sarah King: 020 8879 0378, Ronnie Wilson on 0791 051037 or Carole Furnivall: 07977 262593