Community Payback Project Helps Clear Cycle Track

Offenders involved in the Community Payback scheme have revitalised a cycle track ready for a bike ride by local primary pupils.

Year 6 students from St George’s Primary School will tackle the Hull to Hornsea ride on Wednesday June 21, with support from teachers, the local Community Policing Team, Bob’s Bikes, Giroscope and a group of local Sustrans volunteers.

Hull City Council’s Streetscene team first carried out some heavy-duty maintenance work to the path, before the Community Payback project stepped in to clean and tidy the area, making sure it was free of litter and any debris which would get in the way of cyclists.

Cllr Alan Clark, whose portfolio includes Streetscene, said: “Community Payback can be a really valuable resource for local communities, allowing a wide range of work to be undertaken. In this case, the scheme has allowed for complimentary clearing and tidying to take place, in addition to scheduled maintenance by our Streetscene team.

“Those involved put two days work into clearing the cycle route and have made a big difference. It’s perfectly timed for the ride by St George’s Primary pupils, as well as the arrival of warmer weather and the impending summer holidays when we’ll hopefully have lots of families using the track.

“Community Payback benefits everyone, including the offenders who carry out the work. It is a rehabilitative scheme which develops skills and often directly benefits the community where the crime was committed. Additionally, these are usually projects which otherwise would not be completed, carried out at no cost to communities or local authorities.

“We wish the children luck on their ride and hope they enjoy using the refurbished track”.

Jon McGowan, from St George’s, said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to cycle with Y6 to Hornsea. It has been great to have the council on board to help make this possible and to promote active and sustainable travel.

“Personally I can’t think of a much better way to put back into the community than helping a bunch of kids get safely to the seaside on an adventure of a lifetime. We are massively appreciative to everyone who has got involved”.

Simon Merritt, unpaid work placement co-ordinator with Humberside and Lincolnshire Community Rehabilitation Company (HLNY CRC), which works on community projects across the region, said: “This Community Payback project is being undertaken by HLNY CRC in partnership with Hull City Council. The project aims to reduce the effects of anti-social behaviour while enhancing the environment and is an excellent example of the work that Community Payback can do in the community”.

To nominate a project to be carried out by Community Payback, visit: www.gov.uk/nominate-community-payback-project. These may include removing graffiti, clearning wasteland, redecorating a community centre or other similar tasks.