Greater Manchester Probation Trust

Offenders carrying out Community Payback have been helping to decorate a charity’s premises.

The Bury Furniture Charity, in Wash Lane, sells household goods at low prices to needy families. It was opened last November by the Mayor Councillor Sheila Magnall.

Supervised groups of offenders have been preparing and repainting the building to improve the facility and allow more furniture to be displayed.

Eric Mather, charity manager, said: “We are very grateful for the labour which Heywood Community Payback have provided as it would have been difficult to recruit enough volunteers to get the job completed in such a tight time frame.

“The group has been very good and have got on with the task. We are keen to work closely with Community Payback in the future.”

The charity receives donated furniture and refurbishes, before selling it for the lowest possible price. Bury Furniture is operated by the town’s Meridian Foundation which also rents out around 200 properties to low-income families throughout Greater Manchester and holds training courses for the unemployed.

The charity will also be opening two new shops in the near future.

Craig Sykes, Community Payback Officer, said: “This is a very positive project which will make a difference to the organisation and the people who use it.

“The charity is very worthwhile and I am sure we can continue to support it.”

Members of the public are encouraged to recommend projects for Community Payback on 01706 620702 or email: GMPT.Contact@manchester.probation.gsi.gov.uk