Community Payback Order Work Praised
Inverclyde Council’s Criminal Justice Social Work team have been praised by Wemyss Bay residents after they stepped in to clear a local eyesore.
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People living in Broom Road contacted the Council about an area of land opposite their homes which they said had become a ‘dumping ground and dog walk’.
One of them, Netta McMaster, said: “All the families in Broom Road take pride in our homes and gardens but as we have become older and less able the maintenance of the ground opposite became too much for us to physically and financially cope with. We had already invested a significant amount of money in clearing the trees that were damaged by a storm a few years ago. Since then the land became a dumping ground and it was spiralling out of control.”
Managers of the Council’s Unpaid Work Service met with local people to discuss the project and arranged for work to be carried out by people who had received Community Payback Orders through the courts.
Health & Social Care Convener Councillor Robert Moran said: “This is exactly the kind of project Community Payback Orders are intended for. It is a great example of people who have committed an offence have made a positive contribution to their community while putting into practice new skills. This service plays a key part in a range of programmes designed to cut crime, reduce reoffending and to improve individuals’ skills and prospects of employment.”
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Unpaid work is one requirement a Sheriff can specify as part of an order which has benefits to both the local community and the offender. Unpaid work does not replace paid employment but is work which would not ordinarily be carried out by the Council.
Netta McMaster added: “The piece of land looks so tidy now it could be a bowling green. Not only has this improved aesthetically but it has improved each of the resident’s outlook on life as a whole. We cannot thank them enough and we are sure others would benefit and appreciate this programme and the team’s contribution and hard work.”
Inverclyde Unpaid Work Service is taking part in this year’s Doors Open Days (Saturday 9 September). Visitors will be able to see examples of some of the work being carried out and also to have their bicycles checked for free.
There will also be an opportunity to say what type of work you would like to see the Unpaid Work Service contribute to.
Saturday 9th September 2017 10am – 3pm
Inverclyde Unpaid Work Service, Unit 6, Kingston Industrial Estate (just off Ardgowan Street), Port Glasgow, Inverclyde PA14 5DG
To book a place please contact Colin Horsburgh on 01475 715372 or visit Eventbrite page using the link on this page