Worksop’s canal towpaths are set for a thorough tidy-up as groups of offenders supervised by Nottinghamshire Probation Trust join forces with British Waterways in a project to help brighten up the area.
The offenders have been sentenced to Community Payback, a punishment which demands a set number of hours of tough, physical work for the benefit of the local community. Following a suggestion from a member of the public, work will commence on a stretch of canal towpath running from the Lock Keeper pub to Worksop town centre, as offenders litter pick and look after the general upkeep of the waterway area. Groups will return at intervals throughout the year to maintain the area as required.
As well as punishing offenders for their crimes, Community Payback also helps prevent the likelihood of reoffending by increasing employability by providing the opportunity to develop practical and life skills such as teamworking. Stable employment is one of the key factors in breaking the cycle of reoffending.
Mark Taylor, Nottinghamshire Probation Trust’s Local Delivery Unit Director with responsibility for Community Payback said: ‘We’re very pleased to be involved in this scheme, which is a great example of how working in partnership can have a very visible impact. The canal clean-up benefits everyone - British Waterways gain a labour resource, offenders develop team working skills, and Worksop’s residents have a clean and attractive canal towpath to enjoy!"
Simon Gent, Waterway Supervisor for British Waterways, said: "We’re pleased that canal users in Worksop will benefit from a cleaner, more attractive canal as a result of this project. The project not only gives the Community Payback team the opportunity to engage with their local waterways, giving them new experiences and new skills but also enables our staff to concentrate on more specialised canal maintenance tasks".
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For more information please contact Lindsay Narey, Communications Officer for Nottinghamshire Probation Trust on 0115 840 6497 email lindsay.narey@nottinghamshire.probation.gsi.gov.uk
