A new scheme is encouraging criminals to make amends by putting something back into the community. Reporter GLENN EBREY found out how this is benefiting both residents and offenders alike.

THE idea behind the new Community Payback initiative is a simple one. Rather than putting criminals behind bars, the aim is to make them repay residents for the wrongs they have inflicted on them.

This means instead of doing bird in jail, offenders are more likely to be seen cleaning bird mess off the pavement.

The scheme, which is the brainchild of Lewisham's Anti Social Behaviour Team (ASBAT), has initially been introduced in Forest Hill.

The offenders taking part are those who are given community punishment orders by the courts.

Unlike traditional community service, the work done by the Payback participants is decided in consultation with residents.

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock, who chairs the ASBAT panel, says he would like to extend it across the borough if it is successful.

He said: "We want to help people who have done something wrong to play a part in putting it right.

"By contributing to the community they are paying the community back for what they have done. The key thing is the punishment fits the crime."

The first wave of around 15 offenders started work at The Green, Longfield Crescent, Forest Hill, last week.

They helped to do everything from picking up litter to trimming hedges and pruning plants.

Further groups of offenders will be asked to carry out similar work in future weeks, under supervision from the Forest Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team.

ASBAT is a partnership between Lewisham Police and the council.

Mayor Bullock says such close links are vital if the crackdown on anti-social behaviour is to be successful.

He added: "This scheme will make a statement to people crime does pay but more importantly it helps the offenders in their rehabilitation.

"It is not just about making things better for the victims but also the offenders."

Forest Hill Councillor John Russell is pleased the new initiative is being tested in his ward.

He said: "It sounds much better than just sending lots of people to prison. This is much more beneficial to society."

The Lib Dem councillor hopes the scheme will reduce reoffending rates by giving the participants a new sense of responsibility.

He added: "There should be as many positive impacts for the offenders as the wider community. It must be a two-way street.

"It is important they have the chance to learn new skills which they can take forward into their future lives."

Among the first offenders taking part in the scheme was Alan, a convicted drink-driver.

He said: "I live here and it is a mess. Our work means the area will be a safer place.

"I'm here for drink driving but I'm not going to do it ever again. This has taught me a lesson."

INITIATIVE AIMING TO CUT REOFFENDING

OPERATION Community Payback is a partnership between the Metropolitan Police, councils and the London Probation Service.

Offenders carry out unpaid work in the community, supervised by probation staff.

Residents are consulted about the type of work they would like to see the offenders carry out.

Lewisham Council says the main objectives of the initiative are to reduce the fear of crime, reduce reoffending rates and increase community confidence.