Offenders praised for bringing floral joy to parts of County Durham
Offenders who planted thousands of bulbs in a payback scheme have reaped their reward.
The reparation scheme saw a total of 64,000 bulbs used to create a floral uplift in 34 “hot spot” locations for anti-social behaviour across County Durham. Communities prone to anti-social behaviour across County Durham and Darlington have been treated to floral makeovers thanks to funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.
The scheme secured Government funding as part of plans to build pride in the local community and deter crime and nuisance behaviour. The planting was carried out by offenders who are subject to Community Payback, a programme of reparative activity which encourages people to give back to communities and make amends for their past behaviour.
The initiative won praise – and a special discretionary ward - from judges at the Northumbria in Bloom competition.
Durham County Council’s Clean and Green team and Darlington Borough Council’s Street Scene service worked alongside the National Probation Service to enhance the entrances to 34 locations and specific areas where anti-social behaviour occurs.
Ms Allen said: “I am proud to back this project which not only supports the rehabilitation of people who have offended but also helps to discourage and prevent further unwanted behaviour in these areas. Floral displays enhance and improve the quality of life in communities in many different ways.
“Reducing anti-social behaviour is a key priority for me and helping to restore a sense of pride in our neighbourhoods is one of many strategies we are employing to improve safety. If we don’t care about our public spaces, then we are unlikely to care about other issues that impact negatively on people’s lives and will invite others to treat those areas with contempt.
“I am thrilled to receive this award on behalf of the whole team. We are really proud that it has been recognised. We’ve had really good feedback from residents who’ve enjoyed seeing the flowers bloom.”
Northumbria in Bloom chairman Robert Germany said: “We all know how important a sense of civic pride in our local neighbourhoods is. A lack of such often leads to anti-social behaviour and nuisance.
“The planting was carried out by people who have offended and were subject to Community Payback. This is part of a programme of reparative activity which encourages the offenders to give back to their communities and make amends for their behaviour. The judges were impressed that the scheme not only supported the rehabilitation of people who have offended but also helps to discourage and prevent further unwanted behaviour in these areas as well as providing wonderful floral displays .”
Building on the initial achievements, the scheme will be expanded through Government pilot funding. The bulbs were planted in mixed designs to achieve longevity of colour over a long period, typically from February to July.
Three specific mixes containing a selection of narcissi (daffodils), alliums and camassias. The different varieties flower in sequence and provide a change of colour and height throughout the flowering months.