Case Studies
Justice Seen, Justice Done in Blackpool
Residents of Blackpool voted for Ibbison Court as the winning project in a competition that gave them a say on the work offenders should carry out on Community Payback.
Lancashire Probation Trust sent a group of six offenders to Ibbison Court in June. Donning high visibility orange jackets, they created new flower beds to enhance the appeal of the area and reduce complaints of antisocial behaviour.
Blackpool is one of 54 Neighbourhood Crime & Justice Pioneer Areas in which the public were able to vote earlier this year on which schemes offenders should carry out as part of their punishment.
Over 500 votes were received for Blackpool’s winning project, which was chosen by the public over projects at Grange Park, Brunswick Community Garden, Kingscote Park and Revoe Park.
Bob Mathers, Chief Executive of Lancashire Probation Trust said: “We are committed to making sure the people of Lancashire can see offenders paying back to the community as part of their punishment. I was pleased that so many votes were made by the residents of Blackpool during this campaign as we are determined that the offenders should carry out the work that means the most to local people. Ibbison Court was the clear winner and I hope that the residents and local community benefit from the improvements to the flowerbeds areas that are being made by the offenders.”
The event attracted media attention as a TV crew from Granada gathered onsite to film the work, and Julie Barlow, the community payback practice manager, commented: “The day was excellent. There was no negativity at all – everyone wanted us to be there, for the work to get done and the offenders felt like they were giving back to the community.”
Brenda Giles, a resident of Ibbison Court said: “They are really improving the area for the community which is only right as, in a way, they are giving back to the community they took from.”
