Payback time

Local offenders are paying back for their crimes by helping the council keep the borough cleaner, greener and safer.

Two of Hertsmere's Community Payback team litter picking

Hertsmere Borough Council has entered into an agreement with the Probation Service which means offenders on Hertfordshire Probation's Community Payback programme will carry out environmental improvements in the area in which they offended as a way of giving something back. Small groups of offenders spend one day a week in Hertsmere working through a list of duties drawn up by the council, such as getting rid of graffiti and flytips.

So far Hertsmere's team has blitzed estates in Borehamwood, Bushey and Potters Bar by picking litter, collecting leaves and sweeping footpaths, as well as trimming bramble and other overgrown vegetation at Shenleybury Cemetery. 

Kerrie Eastman, Community Payback Project Manager at Hertfordshire Probation Service, explained: "Offenders on the Community Payback programme have been given community orders by the courts which means their punishment is working in the community for a set amount of hours - anything from 40 to 300.

"Community orders tend to be given to lesser-risk offenders convicted of things like theft, fraud, drink-related violence and driving offences. Offenders who receive this form of punishment are assessed as suitable to serve their sentence in the community and then matched to suitable projects. We monitor them throughout the programme and supervise teams while they're out in the community.

"Community orders are tough and challenging as the work is often physical and offenders have to adhere to certain rules.  They have shown to be more effective at reducing re-offending than short term prison sentences."

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "This is a great partnership initiative which will directly benefit local communities as the team will be helping us tackle environmental issues such as litter, graffiti and flytipping.  Well-kept areas can also reduce criminal activity and tend to make people feel safer."

Councillor John Donne, Community Safety Portfolio Holder, added: "In addition to improving the local environment, the scheme will go some way to rehabilitate offenders and deter them from offending again.  This is because it gives them an opportunity to learn and gain work-related skills and those that complete the programme have a better chance of getting a job, which can obviously help them get on the straight and narrow."

If you have any ideas on what the team could do to improve your local area please contact Hertsmere Borough Council on 020 8207 7519 or email parks@hertsmere.gov.uk

• More information on Community Payback