I have long wondered why prisoners can’t make more of a contribution to society, whether clearing rubbish or building roads. A magistrate from Hastings told me it was down to fears over health and safety, and a reluctance by the prison service to spend lots of time outside!
Well here at last seems to be proof that prisoners can help society - why can we not see more initiatives like this from all our prisons?
Letter from the daily telegraph, Sat 30th July 2011.
Prisoners at work
SIR – Ted Shorter (Letters, July 28) writes of prisoners’ idleness. Kirkham and the rural Fylde in Lancashire have an excellent working relationship with HMP Kirkham, which does not believe in idleness.
Rather, we are in very grateful receipt of a regular workforce to tackle every job possible, including grounds clearance and maintenance, decorating the community centre, maintaining street furniture and spot litter picking.
Very importantly, in the worst of the winter weather, they have come out to clear the pavements of snow and ice for residents and businesses, not only in the town but also around doctors’ surgeries and sheltered housing schemes.
The prison makes top-quality garden furniture and sells produce from the home farm at the prison shop. The prisoners are a pleasure to work with.
M. D. Barnes
Town Clerk
Kirkham, Lancashire
