Payback time for the public

Rochdale residents can have their say on how criminals should be punished as part of a pilot scheme from the Ministry of Justice.

A website will allow the public to vote on community service schemes for offenders.

Users will be able to suggest what work they would like to see offenders carry out in their area and the most popular will be adopted by the probation service.

The changes are aimed at encouraging more public involvement in the justice system and follow the launch of high–visibility jackets for criminals last year.

More than 55,000 criminals carry out community service every year, with work including street cleaning and graffiti removal.

There are 54 areas involved with the pilot scheme including Oldham, Tameside, Preston, Kirklees and Bolton as well as Rochdale.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: “It is crucial that the public — the taxpayer — has a say in what community punishments offenders receive. People have a right to know what offenders are doing in their neighbourhood to repay for the wrongs committed.

“We are determined to open up the justice system. Recent steps to do this include the appointment of a Victims Champion, giving distinctive orange jackets to offenders and now ensuring the public knows they have a say in punishing offenders.”

To find out more, go to www.direct.gov.uk/CommunityPayback.