Criminals give something back to Taunton community (From Somerset County Gazette)

Criminals give something back to Taunton community

12:20pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News By Phil Hill

CRIMINALS who want to make amends have helped spruce up the outside of Rowbarton Methodist Church.

They repaired and painted the railing outside as part of the Community Payback Scheme.

Church treasurer Chris Downing said: “The team did a superb job and the restored railings really do enhance our church building and the surrounding area. We thank all those involved.”

Dan Searle, supervisor placement manager for Community Payback, said: “This has been an excellent project for offenders who have been sentenced by the courts to do unpaid work. All the workers have enjoyed working at this placement as you can really see the great improvements they have made over the past few weeks.”

He added: “Community Payback is a tough and visible consequence for offenders who have committed a crime.

"Criminals might find themselves painting village halls, hacking back dense undergrowth, painting children’s play equipment, litter picking, clearing rubbish or scrubbing graffiti from walls and any number of other labour-intensive tasks in the community.”

Offenders wear high-visibility jackets while carrying out the tasks to make sure the public is aware of the work they are doing.

If you know of a project in Taunton that would benefit from such help, e-mail Daniel.Searle@avon-somerset.probation.gsi.gov.uk