Blackley benefits from community payback scheme

Spectators at Blackley Cricket Club are set for a treat this summer as the grounds have been spruced up with the help of “community pay back” scheme.

Last week a group of offenders under the supervision of probation were tasked with renovating the grounds of the club and helping develop a new family seating area.

The work was organised by Community Safety Coordinator Danielle Doyle with the aim of making offenders visibly "pay back" something useful to the community of Blackley.

The team filled two skips of rubbish that the club had been struggling to shift for a number of years and cut back on overgrown shrubbery.

And they painted two large containers on the grounds and laid wood chippings so that a new family spectator area can be developed.

Chairman of Blackley Cricket Club Burt Allen said:

"The club suffered some criminal damage over the last few months so it was good to get something positive back.

"We are really pleased with the hard work that the team put in as we would have struggled to find the resources to do this ourselves."

Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council councillor Jim Battle said:

"The payback scheme is a valuable way of making good use of offenders' sentences, giving something back to a community, and responding to public concerns.

"The work at Blackley Cricket Club ensures that residents in the community feel confident that Manchester City Council are working hard with our partner agencies to address crime & disorder issues in the area."