Wakefield Community Payback Projects
Carr Lodge Park Walled Garden, Horbury
This is a joint venture between the Rotary club, Friends of Carr Lodge Park and local councillors who are trying to restore the old part of the park into a community garden. Phase one is to clear the garden of overgrown vegetation in order to assess the ground and see what can be grown / built within the walls.
Community Payback will help Rotary Club volunteers cut down the overgrown vegetation / brambles to ground level. They will remove ivy from the surrounding walls to head height or higher if safe, sort out bricks to see if there are enough to rebuild the wall. The work will clear the land to let the partners see how they may best use the land once we have done our bit.
Lower Altofts OAP Association
This project was referred by the local councillor and involves clearing the path and surrounding area to provide a safer cleaner area for OAPs, especially those with mobility issues, when attending the club. Work included cutting back bushes/ trees and weeds at the side of path leading to building, litter picking the area around the building and grounds.
The Association was so pleased with the results from Community Payback they asked us to return to paint and decorate the building.
Prince of Wales Hospice, Halfpenny lane, Pontefract
Amanda Ingram Facilities Manager for the Hospice has been delighted with the work: "I just wanted to say how pleased we are with the work undertaken by the Community Payback teams over the past few weeks. It has really made a difference to the gardens".
The offenders involved were developing their skills to work in the gardens at the Hospice. They were assessed before being allocated this work as the offenders had to be aware and give due consideration with language and behaviour towards vulnerable people at the Hospice. Community Payback Supervisors ensured tight control of offenders and it has worked very well as the Hospice has asked for regular assistance to keep the large gardens looking lovely and assist the small team of volunteers there.
The thanks have been passed on to the CP supervisors and offenders who have assisted - "it is very much appreciated".
Live at Home, Micklegate, Pontefract
This is an organisation run from the Micklegate Methodist Church to give support and choice for older people. The scheme encourages and empowers them to stay independent and be happy in their own homes through activities and lunch clubs at the church, providing a social network for elderly locals.
Community Payback (CP) has painted the main rooms and hall used for activities at the church. Yvette Cooper MP visited CP workers at the site in March which attracted media interest from Pontefract and Castleford Express.
South Featherstone Gospel Hall
Melvyn Marsh wanted to "express our grateful thanks to your department for the excellent work done to make our church building more attractive and comfortable. We appreciate all your hard work and especially to your supervisors who organised the workers. I hope we can call upon your services again in the future."
184 hours of work were undertaken at this project, painting and decorating inside and groundwork outside.
Recent work
- Between April and June 2010, 3,578 Community Payback hours were completed at the Able Project.
- Between April and June 2010, 2,076 Community Payback hours were completed on the council contract litter picking and clearing ground in Ackton, Altofts, Lofthouse, Fitzwilliam, Normanton, Wakefield City Centre, Castleford, Crigglestone, Crofton, Ossett, Featherstone, Hemsworth, Horbury, Airedale, Cutsyke, Ryhill, Lupset and Upton areas.
- Between April and June 2010, 1,850 Community Payback hours were completed on Justice Seen Justice done projects, litter picking and ground clearance in Ackton, Ackworth, Knottingly, Wakefield City Centre, Normanton Cutsyke, Eastmoor, South Elmsall, Castleford, Featherstone, Ferry Fryston, Gawthorpe, Heath Common, Hemsworth, Horbury, Lofthouse, Minsthorpe, Ossett, Ferry Bridge, Stanley and Upton.
