Community Payback Makes a Difference
07/09/2010
A rubbish strewn alley near Eastbourne station is now spick and span thanks to the Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust.
Fed up residents and shop owners had contacted Eastbourne Council who suggested to the probation service that it could make a good project for the Community Payback scheme.
Through the Community Payback scheme offenders who are given a community order as a sentence are assigned to a project nominated by the community.
John (not his real name) came before the courts for drinking and driving and was given 180 hours community service. He said, "If Ive done wrong then I should do this. I would have preferred a fine but Ive done the mistake and I have to pay the price."
John and three other offenders cleared rubbish, tidied up and made the alleyway useable for the shops and residents of the flats above.
Nick Downs, Community Payback Placement Co-ordinator for the Surrey & Sussex Probation Trust said, "This is an ideal scheme for us. We work closely with Eastbourne Council who provides tools and equipment and we manage offenders who carry out the work."
Councillor Steve Wallis, Cabinet portfolio holder for the Environment at Eastbourne Borough Council said, "With twenty-seven miles of alleyways in Eastbourne, many of then unadopted, it is often difficult to keep them maintained to a high standard.
"The Community Payback scheme is an excellent way of getting offenders to put something back into society."
