Memorial Hall Transformed by Offenders
21/07/2010
Battle Memorial Hall has been transformed by Community Payback offenders.
Battle Memorial Hall has been transformed thanks to the Surrey & Sussex Probation Trust. We run scheme called Community Payback where offenders do unpaid work to make amends to the community for the harm they have caused and the Memorial Hall made contact to see whether their project was suitable.
The offenders, supervised by probation staff, spent a total of 585 hours on the project over two weeks in June creating a safe outside area for visitors to the hall.
Jane Smith, Halls Manager said: I would like to thank the Probation Trust for all the hard work put in by offenders and staff alike. The large patio area and flower beds are proving extremely popular with local residents.
"Access to Battle Memorial Hall is extremely hard and workers had to transport endless amounts of materials in the wheel barrows, including15 tons of materials laid under the patio area which had to be brought from St Marys Church down a farm track to the hall.
"Without the help of the Community Payback Scheme this would not have been possible. We had quotes of over £8,000 to lay the new patio area which the hall just couldnt fund. The cost of materials was £2,500, so with free labour through the scheme we were able to save more than £5,500."
Chris Shaw, Surrey & Sussex Probation Trust Community Payback Manager said: "This was a really successful scheme and one that Surrey & Sussex Probation Trust was delighted to be involved in.
"It was a tricky job logistically but everyone rose to the challenge and helped to create an attractive relaxing area for residents to enjoy."
The new outdoor area is already being used by regular visitors to the hall, and is also attracting wedding and party requests as the summer season gets into full swing.
The hall, which already attracts over 70 user groups, is now expected to attract even more interest now it can offer additional space to relax and socialise. The space was completed in June following a £2500 grant from Biffaward, a multi- million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts which used landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Service. The Senlac Rotary Club also donated £250.
