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Ortons: Offenders help to clean up 'grot spot'
THE area voted "top of the grots" by the public in Peterborough is looking forward to ridding itself of its unwanted title after a clean-up visit by offenders as part of the community payback scheme
THE area voted "top of the grots" by the public in Peterborough is looking forward to ridding itself of its unwanted title after a clean-up visit by offenders as part of the community payback schemeStagsden, in Orton Goldhay, was voted the shabbiest area of the city back in April by hundreds of city residents, and had the dubious honour of being the first to receive a targeted visit by offenders working for the Cambridgeshire Probation service as part of their sentence.
But since then, teams of offenders have been working round-the-clock undertaking general groundwork clearance and maintenance of overgrown vegetation, including litter picking, tidying of communal courtyard areas and graffiti removal.
Chairwoman of the Probation Board Brenda Palmer confirmed the workers will only move on to a new project once the board is satisfied the area has been restored to its former glory.
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She added: "We will also continue to return to the area regularly to ensure the improvements are maintained.
"The response to this campaign clearly shows the public wants to have a say in community payback, and wants to see that justice is being done in their community."
The public vote was part of a three-week "Justice Seen, Justice Done" campaign to raise awareness of community payback as a tough punishment for criminals, and it followed the launch of branded high-visibility orange jackets that offenders must now wear.
Neighbourhood crime and justice co-ordinator for the SaferPeterborough partnership Bob Chapman said: "It is vital the public sees that justice is being done in their communities.
"By giving people a say on which projects offenders should carry out in their communities, we are giving the law-abiding majority a voice, which, in turn, helps build their confidence in the criminal justice system."
The next focus will be on the area around Gladstone Community Centre, which received the second highest number of public votes.
The other three spots shortlisted were the green belts in Paston, Bretton Centre and the area near Burystead, in Stanground.
Every year, more than 55,000 criminals in England and Wales criminals are involved in community payback – carrying out more than six million hours of physical work on behalf of their communities to payback for their crimes.
Mr Chapman added: "There are still four areas for the payback teams to visit, but we continue to welcome suggestions from the public for projects where offenders can carry out work."
To suggest an area for community payback, visit www.cambridgeshireprobation.gov.uk/payback
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