17 September 2008: Improving public spaces

Media: 1050

Convicted offenders are improving and maintaining public spaces and community facilities in the district thanks to a partnership between Lewes District Council and Sussex Probation Area.

Up to two teams of seven offenders sentenced to carry out unpaid work for lower level crimes have been working on behalf of the council for two years under Sussex Probation Area's Community Payback initiative.

Supervised by probation and council officers, offenders have been involved in a variety of projects to improve the environment, including:

• Highway verge trimming in Peacehaven
• Removing shingle from seafront promenades
• Painting and other works at Newhaven Fort
• Painting at Seaford Football Club
• Work at Newhaven Port
• Painting at the West Peacehaven Park for Peacehaven Town Council
• Litter picking at beaches and other public areas.

Councillor Eddie Collict, Lead Councillor for the Environment said: "We are very happy to work closely with the Sussex Probation Service, we get real work done and the community benefits from these individuals as they pay back their debt to society in a really useful way. The management and supervision of the staff from the Sussex Probation Service inspires confidence in getting these tasks done in a safe and sensitive way."

Mark Burden, senior probation officer in charge of unpaid work, said: "We're pleased to have developed such an excellent partnership with the council. The works we have carried out improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in Lewes district.

"As well as enhancing the environment and allowing offenders to make amends for their crimes, partnerships like this provide offenders with invaluable skills and teamwork experience which is proven to reduce the chances of them reoffending."

Last year some 2,500 offenders were sentenced to carry out unpaid work under the supervision of Sussex Probation Area with more than 200,000 hours worked.

Suggestions for Community Payback projects can be emailed to
sussexcommunity.payback@sussex.probation.gsi.gov.uk

Offenders litter picking on Seaford beach.

 

Ends/

 

Media enquiries: Liz Lacon, Communications Manager liz.lacon@lewes.gov.uk