Liam Byrne MP is bidding to bring a community justice programme to Hodge Hill. The Hodge Hill MP met with city judges to discuss new plans to make sure criminals put something back into the community they have offended in.

The scheme, pioneered in Liverpool and in Salford, is unique as the local community helps set ways for offenders to pay back the community. If the Hodge Hill MP’s discussions are successful, it would mean those who have committed a crime in Hodge Hill would have sentences that included an element of ‘payback’ to Hodge Hill residents and the area they live in.

Liam has met with judges to begin discussions on how to make the programme work in Hodge Hill next year.

Liam said:

“I want to see offenders who commit crime do some time in Hodge Hill clearing up rubbish, graffiti and mess. Most important, I’d like to see Hodge Hill residents help decide what sentences should look like.”

He added:

“Crime and antisocial behaviour is a major issue for local residents and stopping the same people doing the same things over and over again is one of the problems that needs to be tackled.”

 

• For more information on Community Justice and their current projects, please see their website: http://www.communityjustice.gov.uk/index.htm