It’s payback time, says council boss

Community Payback work is hailed

Council chiefs have praised the Community Payback work carried out by offenders, saying it has helped a number of community groups.

Criminals have painted school railings and seated areas at Taylor High.

And the offenders have also landscaped a rear garden in Newarthill for young children who have autism.

Cllr Harry Mcguigan is chair of North Lanarkshire Council’s Joint Improvement Board, and he said: “Community payback addresses offending behaviour, is community focused and improves the lives of residents, of all ages, across all communities.

“The environmental and community projects we carry out are identified as priorities by the community, and we work with our partners and local groups to roll these out.

“They impact positively, not just on our residents, but on the lives of offenders too by giving them a routine, purpose and skills.

“And, feedback for this service is overwhelmingly positive not only that but we’re raising awareness of the service and confidence in Community Payback”

Following a referral from the social work team, community payback squads landscaped a rear garden in Newarthill for two young children with autism. The design incorporated different levels, with play areas, seating areas, a storage shed, pathways and raised beds. This will help with the children’s safety and learning.

The use of recycled materials also kept the costs for the tenant to a minimum. Over 4800 hours of unpaid work went into the project, which levelled and cleared overgrowth, added drainage, slab areas, fencing and put in pathways and wooden furniture.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson added: “Projects like these at Newarthill are fantastic examples of community payback orders in action, making individuals pay back to the community for the damage caused by their offending, as well supporting their rehabilitation by giving them the opportunity to develop new skills.

“These projects are part of the excellent work in North Lanarkshire, and across Scotland, to deliver CPOS which not only bring real benefits to our communities but also contribute to the reconviction rates in Scotland now being at their lowest level in 17 years.”

Other work across North Lanarkshire included building a chicken coop for residents with dementia at Muirpark Respite Home in Viewpark and painting a 200m fence surrounding a wildlife pond, for Calderbank Community Group. An outdoor space at Allanton Primary School and Nursery in Shotts was also transformed.

Feedback for this service is overwhelmingly positive