Greater Manchester Probation Trust

Community Payback Improves Church Hall

22 Apr 2010

OFFENDERS have refurbished a popular community centre in Mottram, breathing new life into the grade two listed building.

The hall, in Church Brow, Mottram, near Hyde, was built in 1832 and is run by volunteers. It hosts a wide range of events, from pre-school activities through to scouts and brownies, church meetings and exhibitions.
Offenders supervised by Greater Manchester Probation Trust have been working at the centre for several weeks, carrying out Community Payback, and have completely redecorated it and completed groundwork tasks.
Carron Upton, Community Payback Officer, said: “The building hadn’t been painted for more than 20 years and a lot of work needed to be done.
“The offenders have done a good job and can be proud of the hard work they have carried out.
“The centre is a key facility in Mottram and so the project has been an extremely good way for offenders to payback to the community against which they offended.”
The project began in November and offenders worked a total of 920 hours on the scheme.
A volunteer who works at the centre said: “We are delighted with the work the offenders have done.
“We couldn’t have paid for it any other way and now the hall looks fantastic. Some of the offenders were especially motivated and clearly took a great pride in what they did, and made suggestions about ways to do the job well.”
Coinciding with the Community Payback work, artist Peter Wroe painted a large mural in the style of L.S. Lowry, who lived in Mottram.
Members of the public are encouraged to recommend projects for Community Payback on 0161 330 3695 or email: GMPT.Contact@manchester.probation.gsi.gov.uk