Overgrown Spratton allotments cleared through Immediate Justice scheme

Overgrown allotments in Spratton, Northamptonshire can now be used by the community again thanks to work completed by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone’s Immediate Justice programme. 

The Immediate Justice programme gives people who have committed anti-social behaviour the opportunity to pay for the harm they have caused through meaningful and visible reparative work.

Throughout May, eight offenders have spent a combined 40 hours supporting the Spratton Town and Charity Land Trust in their efforts to clear three allotment plots that were covered in waste and unable to be used.

The offenders – aged between 16 and 41 - were referred to the programme by police after they were caught committing assault, possession of drugs and theft.

The cleared plots can now be rented by the Trust to members of the public. The money generated is used to manage the upkeep of the allotments and provide grants that support residents of Spratton.

West Northamptonshire Councillor Christine Ware is one of the trustees of the Spratton Town and Charity Land Trust.

She said: “The Trust is so pleased to have received the support of those working through the Immediate Justice programme.

“Their work has made a difference to us, and I want to say thank you.”

Danielle Stone said: “My Immediate Justice programme has been able to help clear up community spaces across the county so that they can be enjoyed.

“It is brilliant to see that the Spratton Town and Charity Land Trust has benefitted from Immediate Justice and can now continue giving back to their residents.”