Justice: seen to be done

People will be able to have their say on how justice is carried out by nominating sites for offenders to clean up.

The borough is one of 54 Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas where people can vote on what work offenders should carry out.

The scheme receiving the most votes will be undertaken first by offenders on Community Payback sentences.

It follows the launch of branded high-visibility jackets for offenders on Community Payback in December last year.

Local areas which can be voted for are:

Whitworth Road
This area is in need of a thorough tidy up. Offenders will clear the litter and clean up the roads, clear the pathway and cutback the overgrown shrubs and weeds.

Taylor Street
The land here is blighted by rubbish and fly tipping. Offenders will clean it up, cut back greenery, clear the land and create new shrub beds.

Spodden Street
This project will see offenders revamping the area to create a more pleasant environment for residents. They’ll clear away all litter and remove all fly tipping.

Merefield Street
The rear of Merefield Street has become an eyesore, covered in litter and fly tipping. Offenders will clean it up, cutting back shrubs and clearing away all the overgrown weeds.

Norwich Street
This area will be given an overhaul, with offenders clearing up all litter and fly tipping. They’ll also face some extensive gardening work as they remove the shrub beds and overgrown weeds.

To cast your vote, go to: www.direct.gov.uk/CommunityPayback. Voting closes on 24 April and successful projects will be announced in June.

Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw said: “It’s crucial that the public — the taxpayer — has a say in what community punishments offenders receive.”

Every year, more than 55,000 criminals receive Community Payback sentences, carrying out more than six million hours of physical unpaid work.