Greater Manchester Probation Trust

OFFENDERS have won glowing praise after creating a garden at a care centre for the disabled.

Heathside Cottage is home to six people who have cerebral palsy, or similar conditions, and is run by the charity Scope.

Teams of six offenders, working for six days, have cleared several skip loads of overgrowth from the cottage’s garden. They will also be installing a sensory garden with items like wind chimes that blind residents will be able to enjoy.

Jean Piatczanyn, senior support manager at Heathside Cottage, said: “The work the offenders have carried out is fabulous, all we need now are more bedding plants and I’d be thrilled if someone were able to donate some to us.

“The gardens were really overgrown and we were unable to use them, and as we are a charity we were unable to pay for the work ourselves.

“I’ve been really impressed by how hard the offenders have worked and we are all delighted by the results. It means so much to our residents.”

Oldham’s Community Payback Unit carries out similar tasks across the town, with groups of offenders doing everything from cooking meals for the elderly through to painting and decorating and improving the environment.

Jean said: “A volunteer used to maintain the garden but it eventually became too much.

“I’ve never seen it looking so good, and now it’s in this shape it’ll be easier to keep in order.”

Paul Mayers, Community Payback Officer, said: “We will continue to help as much as we can.

“It has been a good experience for offenders to come here and learn more about the centre, and the project seems to have captivated the imagination of everybody involved, and is progressing really well.

“I would like to especially thank Dennis Brennan, Community Payback Coordinator for First Choice Homes, who has collected the rubbish from the site and disposed of it for us.”