howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
just heard on local news that offenders in brighton are repainting the seafront railings.
this is the third consecutive year, why cannot we have this system operate in our town centre?
Damn good question Howard.

Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
Who do you think painted the railings alongside the Dour out at River then? The Community Payback people have also been doing a great deal of work at Crabble Corn Mill and even won an environmental award from the Butler Trust for their efforts.
http://www.ccmt.org.uk/community.htmPhil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Well, all credit to Crabble Corn Mill for their progressive thinking, and a big well done to the guys doing the work.

Guest 687- Registered: 2 Jun 2009
- Posts: 513
The exterior of Age Concern was painted as a Community Payback project, the chappie then returned once he had finished his payback and redecorated the interior in his own time at weekends.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
ken
that confirms what i have maintained on here for a long time, minor offenders may never had a job before, once they realise that they get satisfaction and self respect out if it they get a taste for joining in the rest of society.

. It's all about opportunities guys!
Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
See, it's only when someone mentions it that the storys are being told.
Last summer my school playing field was misused and abused, local yoofs thought they would camp on it for the weekend ( every weekend realy ) They had a huge fire right in the middle of the running track, debris of all descriptions and broken bottles everywere.
I called the pay back team supervisor and within two days they had the whole field cleared up.
so for those not in the know. IT IS working.

grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
How great to hear the good stories - thank you!

Agreed Bern, it's just a shame they appear to be well kept secrets. I am sure once the news is out, there are many other organisations that could make good use of the Payback team.
I didn't even know they existed up to now. How does one get in contact with them?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
it seems that charitable groups and similar are taking advantage of the scheme.
what about our various councils, how about cleaning up the river in pencester instead of asking volunteers to give up their time.
they could even use a couple to oversee the childrens play area, stopping the foulmouthed older kids taking it over.
there are simply stacks of things that the payback people can do.
ian
are you referring to hull when saying about your playground?
Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
I was refering to a playingfield Howard, the Dover Girls Grammar School field, up near Danes court.
Pay more attention when crossing the roads Howie, I'll get you next time.

grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
you nearly had me today ian, laying in wait like you did was most unsporting though.!!
the reason i asked whether you referred to hull is that they are one of the front runners in having wardens employed giving on the spot fines to litter louts, dog toffee droppers and chewing gum chavs.
more power to them i say.
What about on the spot fines for great fat pie eating politicians who go around thumping the plebs?

Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
I get the impression that if an organisation has a suitable project then they only need to ask the Probation Service (or whoever) to get a team in to help out. Mind you, there's a raft of Health & Safety legislation that would probably get in the way of doing jobs that might be even mildly difficult, then there's the Human Rights Act to consider...!!!
Sid: Have a word with Ant at the Mill (01304 823292) about contacting the Community Payback people. There's usually one of their supervisors on site too so it might be worth popping into the Mill and having a chat him.
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 667- Registered: 6 Apr 2008
- Posts: 919
Apart from doing a great deal of work at Crabble Corn Mill the Community Payback have carried out several projects within River it's self all in connection with the team at the Mill.
At first some people in River were worried about their homes being targeted but I think we have now convinced then that those on Community Payback are under supervision and in most cases people who have just gone off the rails they are not hardened criminals.
One thing is for sure the work that has been carried out within the Mill grounds and the river Dour in that area would not have been carried out without the Payback scheme.
Sid, as Phil has said contact Ant, I know there are several Community Payback teams and the Probation Service is always looking for more projects. Health and Safety can be an issue but Risk Assessments are carried out and it normally does not create a problem.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Just before last Christmas, I contacted the Community Pay-Back team about the black flower tubs along Biggin Street and Cannon Street to have them weeded and cleaned up.
I also contacted DDC's Horticultural department about the flowers and they said they would be happy to provide them.
They didn't get done until late Feb. or early March I believe, because of the weather, but once done it did brighten up the two streets.
The flower tubs are now in urgent need of attention and so contacted DDC about it again, but this time (because I'm no longer DBS Manager ?) no reply, so as a District Councillor, I'll try again.
Who really cares about the appearance of Dover ?
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
noticed that about the flower tubs and troughs, pitiful display this year.
pencester gardens has a decent display though.
Is the fountain still boarded up?