SIX tonnes of rubbish has been cleared from alleyways in Thurrock as part of a joint exercise between Essex Probation Community Payback and Thurrock Council.
Alleyways behind The Broadway and William Street, Little Thurrock, were the focus of the two-day operation on 11 and 12 April which saw six van-loads of rubbish taken away by the council’s street cleaning team.
Community Payback provides unpaid work carried out by convicted offenders. The scheme publicly demonstrates that offenders are giving back something to society and is supported by Thurrock Council.
In 2011 Thurrock benefitted from 40,000 hours of unpaid work compared with 25,000 in 2010. This represents a value of over £230,000 for last year and £150,000 the year before at minimum wage rates.
Other recent projects have included Springfield Road allotments (over 500 hours so far), cycle path clearance in Chafford Hundred on a regular basis (over 2,000 hour since November 2010) and ground clearance at the council’s weighbridge site in Purfleet.
Thurrock Council’s Head of Service for Public Protection, Lucy Magill said: “This operation cleared alleyways we get many complaints about, and by working with Community Payback it ensured Thurrock is getting recompense for crimes carried out. “
“Essex Probation’s Community Payback scheme not only punishes offenders, it improves the local environment, teaches people skills, makes them more employable and so less likely to commit crime,” said Pete Mangan, Lead Director for Community Payback.
Residents in the area have all received details of the clear-up and an explanation of Thurrock Council’s responsibilities — which do not cover the clearance of alleyways. This was a “one-off” operation.
Rubbish found dumped in the future will be inspected and enforcement action taken.
Long time overdue – but Broadway South not part of Little Thurrock – Grays East. Clean up welcome and a concerted effort on enforcement. My Grandfather from Elm Road always used to say it’s not all Fly Tippers. Take Pride in a clean area.