Offenders Turn Over a New Leaf

A union boss today blasted plans to make Aberdeen the pride of Britain by employing criminals to keep the city blossoming.

Council chiefs have proposed using people on community “payback” orders to help win In Bloom competitions.

But union leader Mike Middleton fears that the move could threaten council jobs.

The plan follows the replacement of probation, community service orders and supervised attendance orders with community service.

Unpaid public work must now be completed within three or six months compared to the previous twelve months.

A report by city council officer Lesley Simpson said: “As a result it is imperative that new big work placement projects be identified to accommodate more community service workers on a regular basis.”

But Mr Middleton said: “We are vehemently opposed to community payback workers engaging in day-to-day maintenance that staff are employed for.”

Offenders have so far been involved in maintenance at Stewart Park in Hilton, but the plan would see them further develop the park to improve its amenities.

The report said community service workers would be involved in the refurbishment and redecoration of the pavilion and gardening, landscaping and maintenance of the park’s green space, which would involve upkeep of the play area.

The report also stressed that offenders in the supervised work parties were risk-assessed.