Anti-violence group impressed by offenders’ allotment work

The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit team marks the 50th anniversary of the Community Payback scheme, under which those convicteds work on projects to pay back to the community for the crimes they have committed.

A series of events are taking place across the country to mark the anniversary, celebrate the work of staff, and highlight the positive impact of projects in local communities, with the focus on a golden shovel as a symbol of the scheme.

Members of the VRU team visit the Scrooby Drive allotments in Greasbrough, of which part has been adopted and improved by community payback work.

Unit head Graham Jones said: “As a former senior manager in the Probation Service, I understand the valuable role community payback schemes can play.

“Not only do placements promote the rehabilitation of offenders, teaching employment skills, and the value of work, they also make a tangible difference to the communities which have been affected by offending in the first place.

“It is right that Community Payback’s role in our criminal justice system is recognised and celebrated, and I’m pleased that the VRU could support efforts to do just that.”

Cap: Members of the Violence Reduction Unit and staff from South Yorkshire Probation Service on their visit to Greasbrough allotments.