Published on: Tuesday, 5 January 2016
Last updated: Wednesday, 5 October 2016
Young offenders havebeen giving back to the community by making planters and flower arrangementswhich have brightened up rail platforms in the local area.
The work is part ofHertfordshire County Council’s Youth Justice Reparation Project for youngoffenders who are subject to Youth Court Orders. So far, planters have beenmade and placed at Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Hertford East and Rye House rail stationplatforms, in partnership with train operator, Abellio Greater Anglia, whichhave been well received by passengers.
During 2016 thescheme will be extended to more stations along the Lea Valley Line.
David Williams,Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Education and Skills said: “This project isdesigned to help the young people involved to make amends for their offending.
“This type ofcommunity project provides a creative way for young people to give somethingback to the community they have harmed, learn new skills and put their lifeback on track.”
As well asbrightening up the station platforms, the planters are also being used to raiseawareness of the need for more foster carers and encourage people to considerif they could provide a home for one of Hertfordshire’s looked after children.
Nicci O’Brien, AbellioGreater Anglia's Area Customer Service Manager said, “We are delighted to beworking with Hertfordshire County Council's Youth Justice Reparation Project inthe provision of flower arrangements and planters at some of our stations ineast Hertfordshire. The tubs have had a huge impact and been widely welcomed bypassengers.”
In total, HertfordshireCounty Council’s Youth Justice Reparation Project has seen more than 5,000hours of community reparation work completed across the two districts sinceApril 2011. The aim of this is to increase the young people’s understanding ofthe impact of their crime and encourage them to take responsibility for theiractions.