Payback offenders in allotment revamp
Convicted criminals have overhauled an allotment – meaning a community scheme to get more people working outdoors can start.
Convicted criminals have overhauled an allotment – meaning a community scheme to get more people working outdoors can start.
Offenders revamped an allotment in Lewis Road, Brandhall, as part of the Community Payback scheme.
It means Brandhall Urban Community Project can be launched to get more pensioners, children and disabled people on allotments.
The project is the brainchild of Inspector Ian Massey of West Midlands Police. Police Community Support Officers John McNally and Nicola Giorgio are leading the scheme.
They are doing so on behalf of the police and have secured funding from Sandwell Homes, Midland Co-operative Society and developer Redrow Homes.
PCSO McNally said: "Offenders involved in the Community Payback scheme have already prepared the allotment for planting and we are also looking at getting a toilet installed on the site. We would welcome offers of help from any local organisations involved in the supply of portable toilets
."We want to bring different groups within the local community together to benefit from a mutually accessible project. Initially, we have signed up Perryfields Primary School and Paul and Barny's Place drop-in centre in Castle Road West but it is open to any and all members of the community."
The allotment will be managed by Oldbury-based charity Ideal For All.An Ideal For All staff member will work with Years 4 and 5 pupils at Perryfields Primary, teaching them how to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
Perryfields teacher Nicolette Balkham said: "Developing an allotment will be a new experience for many of our children and we will be linking the initiative in with the reception year to create a garden of raised beds at the school."
Some of the produce will be donated to Sandwell's Big Lunch initiative, but much of it will go to the school to help promote healthy eating.Community Payback sees convicted criminals carry out work in the community wearing high-visibility jackets.
It hit the headlines last year when offenders were recruited to clean the graves of fallen soldiers in Smethwick, Wednesbury and Blackheath.
