Offenders pay back Highland communities by clearing snow

Over the recent week of wintry weather, Community Service Teams have been clearing roads and paths across the Highlands to aid more vulnerable members of the community. 

More than 60 offenders have been working with The Highland Council Social Work staff to clear snow and grit paths and roads. 

This has included works clearing pathways at sheltered housing complexes, day centres and care homes for older people, as well as at centres for people with learning disabilities.  For the last few days, the teams have worked in conjunction with Transport Environmental and Community Services to assist by refilling grit bins and clearing pavements that still require to be done. 

The offenders’ normal routines have been re-organised by the Council, to assist local communities and these groups at this challenging time of very severe conditions. In the Inverness area alone, more than 200 hours of assistance have been provided. 

Bill Alexander, The Highland Council’s Director of Social Work, said: “The teams of offenders are clearing snow and helping out the public, as well as many vulnerable people in some of our care services.  This is very welcome, and shows a real payback for local communities.” 

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Vice-chairman of the Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee, said: “We are seeing offenders giving something back to the public by carrying out some challenging and important work, to clear roads and paths of snow for elderly residents and others, so that they can get out and about safely.  This shows an effective and prompt response from the Social Work Service and the Council, using the available labour and time of offenders, helping them to repay their dues to the community.” 

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