Share of criminals' cash sought

Millions have been seized from criminal activities in Scotland

A plea has been made for a share of funds seized from criminals to be spent on projects in Dumfries and Galloway.

Nearly £10m has been taken as a result of the 2003 Proceeds of Crime Act, including some high-profile seizures in the south west of Scotland.

Dumfries Labour MSP Dr Elaine Murray wants communities in the region to get their "fair share" of the cash.

The Scottish Executive said that funding had been given out on the basis of serious violent crime suffered.

Dr Murray said about £2m had gone to other parts of the country and believes her constituency should also benefit.

"I am asking the executive in future to allocate funding to Dumfries and Galloway, in recognition of the significant drug problem we have in the region," she went on.

In March this year projects in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire received funds.

Assets flow

Dr Murray said the problems in Dumfries and Galloway meant it should also be considered for a similar funding package.

The executive spokeswoman said that in future, additional money would be distributed across the country.

"Obviously as more assets flow from the courts to the executive, there will be further funds to reinvest," she said.

The executive had also given a commitment that where seizures are more than £500,000 the money should be reinvested in the community affected.