Community service 'works for all'

Minister praises punitive work scheme

An approach to justice where offenders pay back to society through community project work has been praised by the Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey.

Local heritage sites, woodlands, and beaches have all been rejuvenated by convicts through partnership schemes between local charities and the prison service.

Weekend work groups, guided by a Probation Officer have taken part in projects like maintaining the grounds at Cregneash and creating cycle trails at Archallagan.

It's estimated that in 2017 more than 15,000 hours of unpaid work will be completed on the Island through community service.

Mr Malarkey says it's a proven method of holding people to account, with the added benefit of tidying local neighbourhoods and the environment.