Seafront Revamp
15/04/2009
Two seafront landmarks in Hastings have been treated to a makeover by offenders on probation.
Bottle Alley and the seafront railings above it have been given a fresh paint job while some 20 beach huts at Bulverhythe have been painted in a bright new green, red and blue colour scheme.
The work has been carried out by offenders sentenced to carry out unpaid work by the courts and supervised by Sussex Probation. More than 100 offenders worked on the project, which has taken around five weeks to complete. Hastings Borough Council suggested the scheme and provided painting materials.
Mark Burden, senior Probation officer for Community Payback, said: "Offenders are at work seven days a week in the Hastings area and throughout Sussex, providing a vital service and carrying out important works that benefit local communities.
"Not only is this their way of paying society back for the harm they have caused by their crimes, it provides them with skills and work experience which has proved successful in preventing reoffending.
"Revamping these two local landmarks improves the look and feel of the place and benefits the entire town. We're always looking for the community to nominate other projects that will improve neighbourhoods and needy causes."
Councillor Peter Pragnell, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: "I'm pleased that the beach area has seen the benefit of this work. We are more than happy to work with Sussex Probation in providing the materials and I hope the offenders get a sense of achievement from their efforts. I look forward to seeing more improvements stemming from this partnership working."
For more information or to nominate a project visit www.surreysussexprobation.gov.uk and go to Community Payback.
