WORK carried out by offenders to tidy up the footpath between Gay Street and Russett Close in Wellington has been highly praised.

Wellington parish paths liaison officer Tom Borg said soil and weeds had accumulated along the sides of the path over the years, which could encourage litter and dog mess.

Mr Borg said: “After recent publicity about anti-social behaviour in town, it’s good to report positive work done through the Community Payback scheme.

“The group put in serious graft with quite stunning results. The path is transformed to a near-new condition and residents can again take pride in their surroundings.”

Mr Borg added: “The scheme is a police initiative which sees offenders ‘pay back’ with work to improve the community and its environment.

“‘Big Society’ is an unfashionable term now, yet these offenders have done a first class job and deserve our thanks.”

The Probation Service had asked Wellington Town Council if it would like to be part of its Community Payback Scheme and the council took it up on its offer.

Community Payback participants do work including grounds maintenance, grass cutting, hedge trimming, fencing, painting and litter picking.