OFFENDERS have cleared a heavy undergrowth area full of debris left by flytippers as part of their punishment.

Safer neighbourhoods officers organised the month-long project after speaking to residents of Hennel Close and Dacres Road in Forest Hill to identify areas which needed improving.

People raised concerns about the area saying it was unsightly and was visited by youths who caused anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Philip Moore said: “Now this area has been cleaned up it gives those who want to cause anti social behaviour less incentive and we have already seen this has reduced the problem significantly.

“It also improves the environment and quality of life for members of the community.”

Community Payback is a partnership between London Probation, the Met, and 32 London authorities.

The project enables low risk offenders serving community sentences to repay local people as part of their punishment for offending.