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