Community Payback is a punishment given to offenders as part of their sentence when they are convicted of a crime. They literally pay back the community for their crimes by carrying out hard, physical work.

It is compulsory work that involves projects such as street clean-ups, building maintenance, graffiti removal and improvements to park and community facilities.

Members of the public can have their say about what Community Payback work offenders carry out in their community. Projects can range from litter removal or clearing dense undergrowth, through repairing and redecorating community centers', to removing graffiti.

Whatever the work is, it must:

• Benefit the local community
• Not take paid work away from others
• Not make a profit for anyone
• Provide sufficient work to fully occupy a group of offenders
• Be within the capabilities of the local Community Payback Unit to undertake
• Satisfy Health and Safety requirements

COMMUNITY PAYBACK working for you

Community Payback projects benefit everyone including local schools, faith groups, churches, charities and community organisations and partnerships.

If you have a scheme or project which you think would be suitable as a Community Payback project please go to www.cheshireprobation.org.uk or contact Clare Dinsdale at The Safer Halton Partnership on 0151 495 5820 to register your suggestion.

The Safer Halton Partnership is made up of Halton Borough Council, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue and a range of other agencies that work together to help make Halton a safer place to live, work and visit.