From fence laying to hedgerow cutting……offenders put to work in Brighton parks

From fence laying to hedgerow cutting, rangers from Brighton & Hove City Council’s countryside team have been working with a team from Kent, Surrey and Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company (KSS CRC) to improve the city’s parks and open spaces.

The work, carried out by KSS CRC Community Payback teams under trained supervision, in Preston Park, Stanmer Park, Withdean Park, Woodvale and Waterhall from June to October, included path clearance, fence laying, hedgerow cutting, weeding, removing old fencing, and installing gates.

KSS CRC came forward following the council’s Big Conversation consultation, which looked at how to manage the city’s parks and open spaces in the future with the resources available. As well as being hugely beneficial to the city’s parks, the skills learnt carrying out this work increases the employability of Community Payback service users, which in turn reduces the likelihood of their reoffending.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment committee, said: “I’d like to thank the Rangers and Community Payback Team for undertaking such an impressive amount of work in just five months.

“I know that this work will be much appreciated by all who use our parks and I hope that all the Community Payback workers have also gained satisfaction from the work and learnt new skills.”