Offenders offer help to elderly in Heywood

Community payback: Offenders help clear a pathway in Heywood.

Offenders carrying out Community Payback have been clearing snow and ice from the homes of the elderly in Heywood.

Residents living in sheltered accommodation in Municipal Close, Hardfield Street and Bowling Green Street were among those to benefit from the scheme.

Many were left housebound after the big freeze descended on the borough.

Over the weekend a total of 21 offenders, under supervision by the town’s probation service, braved subzero temperatures to remove snow and ice to make the area safe.

Ray Dunn, Community Payback Officer, said: “One of the residents hadn’t left his home for eight days due to the paths being covered in snow.

“The work was greatly appreciated, offenders were being offered cups of tea because the people were so grateful.

“One lady asked us to clear the car park because the ambulance was due to visit and previously had difficulty parking, another had a similar problem with home help. We were delighted to oblige.”

Ray, who works for Rochdale’s Community Payback team, added: “The offenders worked hard and I’m proud of them. They could tell the work was of real benefit.

“They were paying pack to the community against which they offended.”

Councillor Ted Flynn, cabinet member for Community Safety at Rochdale Council, was impressed by the work. He said: “It was a great idea to get offenders to clear our roads of ice and snow as part of their community payback punishment.

“It meant that the safety of elderly residents living in sheltered accommodation in the town centre was greatly improved and is another example of how the community payback programme can bring real benefits to local people as well as being a tough punishment.”

Members of the public are encouraged to recommend projects for Community Payback on 01706 620702 or email: GMPT.Contact@manchester.probation.gsi.gov.uk