Offenders get rid of illegal art

12:28pm Monday 12th November 2001

YOUNG offenders taking part in a pilot scheme have painted a pavilion in a recreation ground to clear graffiti.

The youths repainted the pavilion in Queen's Mead recreation ground, in Shortlands, saving Bromley Council more than £900.

The Community Service scheme, run by Bromley Council's park ranger service and youth offending team, allows the courts more options in sentencing when dealing with offenders between 10 and 16 years old.

The project was approved earlier this year by the leisure services committee.

Shortlands ward Councillor Chris Gaster, who was head of the committee at the time, said: “This age group commits much of the antisocial behaviour and vandalism, so the work needs to be seen as a punishment and a deterrent.”

ROUND THE SITE