CRIMINALS are taking part a scheme which sees them clean up the streets as punishment for their convictions.

Burnley Council and Lancashire Probation Trust have teamed up to establish the Community Payback where those given community sentence orders by the courts carry out litter-picking and remove fly-tipping from public areas across the borough.

They do not replace council staff, but complete additional work.

The offenders are fully supervised by probation staff and wear orange hi-visibility vests branded with the words Community Payback.

Since the scheme started last month criminals have carried out almost 1,500 hours picking litter.

One such offender is Anthony, 44, was given a 160-hour community sentence for driving offences.

He said: “If you do a crime you have to pay for it and at least I’m giving something back to the community by cleaning up the area.

“We’ve had people coming up asking what we’re doing and when you tell them they seem pleased.”

“They see we come back regularly to clean up their area and I think it’s making a difference.

“I know I’m more aware of litter when I see it now, and I find myself thinking ‘we could do with tackling this area’.”

Lorraine Slater, Community Payback Practice Manager for Burnley, said: “Offenders often have chaotic lifestyles, this gives offenders a routine and some structure.

“It helps them get used to following instructions and working as a team which can help change their behaviour.”

If offenders fail to attend or their work is unacceptable they could be sent back to court.

Burnley Council has signed an initial 12-month agreement to take part in the scheme, which will be reviewed at its conclusion. Teams of up to eight people work seven hours a day.