Memorial Gardens tidied by offenders carrying out Community Payback

Kevin Harrison, Community Payback manager, Ian Trickett, Mike McMillan, and Manchester College's Sian Davies-Sheldon

The rose beds and herbaceous boarders in the Memorial Gardens have been tidied up by offenders carrying out Community Payback.

Community Payback is a punishment for breaking the law that is "rigorously enforced" by the Cheshire & Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC).

Mike McMillan, Community Payback trainer, led the project. Offenders first had to unload 10 tonnes of horse manure into the beds to prepare the ground, before planting more than 240 red and yellow roses.

He said: “I am delighted that the work the offenders put in has been recognised, the positive feedback they have received from both the council and the public has had a massive impact on them.

“The initial work - shovelling horse manure – was tough, and adhering to the pattern also required considerable skill.

“They know the work is appreciated and gives them a sense of pride.”

Offenders also completed a range of vocational qualifications during the scheme, which was the result of a partnership between the CRC, Rochdale Borough Council and The Manchester College.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said: “This project is extremely high profile. As a result, we needed the highest quality work. And we got it in spades.

“The offenders carrying out the job were extremely good grafters and conscientious. They have done an excellent job.”

The Memorial Gardens will be the venue for the town’s commemoration of the outbreak of World War One, and are also the gardens for the Lancashire Fusiliers - the regiment Fusilier Lee Rigby served in.