WOLVES CP UNIT PRUE EARLE HOUSE 01902 875748 Whitmore Reans clean-up Wolverhampton Community Payback Offenders have been visible in the Whitmore Reans area over the past few weeks clearing sites that have fallen victim to anti-social behaviour. The work was commissioned by Michelle Smith – Commissioner, Public Health and David Manning – Chair of St Peter & Park PACT meeting following complaints received from local residents. The work involved in and around the Whitmore Reans area has included the removal of general litter and on occasion the safe removal of certain drug paraphernalia. David Manning said, “For the people of Whitmore Reans to see Community Payback out in hi-vis vests working for their benefit is invaluable. This is the first really positive step that has been made in Whitmore Reans to alleviate the disturbing and continuing issue of discarded needles and paraphernalia. A little action is worth more than many words.” Jim Smith – Neighbourhood Safety Co-ordinator for the South West told us, “Feedback that I have received from the community regarding the work of Community Payback in clearing some of the hotspot areas afflicted with needles has been very positive. As Manager of the Neighbourhood Warden Service, I can also confirm that Wardens have reported that generally, the sites that were cleared have since remained clean – which is good news!” Issue 1| October, 2014 offenders have spent in excess of 3,500 hours on the waterways clearing the way for other boat users and people using tow paths. This equates to approximately £22,750 based on the current minimum wage of £6.50 for people aged 21 and over. Items that tend to be regularly retrieved from the canal include, shopping trolleys, tyres, bicycles and electrical appliances. On one memorable occasion, a small locked safe was found. Reminiscent of a scene from the film Titanic and to the excitement of the offenders hauling the safe on board, this episode was a talking point for several weeks! Needless to say - the safe was eventually disposed of by The Canal & River Trust. Supervisors, Dennis Compton with Andy Hosie are our two fully trained “Helmsmen” who skipper our boats and who regularly report excellent feedback from people using the tow paths and canal system. Dennis Compton, Helmsman and Supervisor said, “This is a different type of CP project that offenders really enjoy working on. Quite often, offenders come into contact with the public and welcome their positive comments about the work they do.” Canal Clearance Work Individual Placement Development A principle and long-standing project of Wolverhampton has been the work undertaken in helping to clear stretches of the local canals. For the year to date, Wolverhampton Wolverhampton is also striving to achieve and exceed the current 50% target for offenders being allocated to Individual Placements. Last year, over 330 offenders completed over 41,000 hours of Community Payback in Wolverhampton. This equates to over £258,000 worth of free labour provided to local communities as offenders pay back for the crimes they have committed. Current performance is hovering around 40% and expected to hit 50% very shortly. A letter of thanks from Annette Wallis, Area Manager, Sue Ryder: Tracey Leslie – Placement Manager said, “Negotiations are under way with a local voluntary organisation that has a number of agencies who may be able to place offenders in challenging and rewarding work. This is potentially a great opportunity for multiple placements in the Wolverhampton area.” In addition to local charity shops, Wolverhampton has an interesting placement at St Leonard’s Church, Bilston, involved in hospitality and serving the local community. What people say A letter of thanks from Mr Pugh of the Pickering Road Community Association for a painting and decorating project in Wednesfield: Look out for more interesting news in Issue 2 of the Wolverhampton CP team newsletter coming your way in January 2015. Last year, over 330 offenders completed over 41,000 hours of Community Payback in Wolverhampton. This equates to over £258,000 worth of free labour provided to local communities as offenders pay back for the crimes they have committed.