Community payback order digging in to help improve outdoor spaces in North Lanarkshire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

People carrying out unpaid work as part of community payback orders helped dig in to improve outside spaces in North Lanarkshire.

Allotments in Wishaw and Coatbridge were maintained and food was given out to people in need across the area. Teams also looked after public outdoor spaces and also refurbished and replaced wooden furniture for community projects and schools.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android A number or projects which have improved North Lanarkshire were included in the new annual CPO report 2021-22 which has just been published by Community Justice Scotland.The report reveals how people carrying out CPOs have been held to account and supported to reconnect and contribute to their communities.One person from North Lanarkshire who completed a CPO reported: “I have learned new skills that I have been able to use in my home and this has also increased my employment opportunities.”Gerry Ranachan, Senior Education and Families Manager (Justice Services), said: “Community payback orders are a direct alternative to a custodial sentence and provide individuals with an opportunity to make positive and practical reparation for their offending within their local community.“Each community can suggest to Criminal Justice Social Work how unpaid work should be carried out or make specific requests