After many years of neglect the railings over the Alban Way at Ashley Road are looking shiny and clean again.

As part of the Probation Service's Community Payback project, offenders were asked to repaint the railings which had become something of an eyesore in the area.

On completion of the work, Cllr Anthony Rowlands of Ashley Ward, who is also Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Support at St Albans City and District Council, commented: “These railings used to look horribly neglected. I am really pleased that the Council has been able to work in partnership with the Mid-Herts Probation Service to make a difference to the street scene along this busy stretch of road.”

Under Community Payback, the Council has paid for materials and the time of the Probation Service supervisor, but avoided incurring extra costs as the work was undertaken by offenders who have been given community punishment orders.

Kerrie Eastman, Community Payback Co-ordinator for Mid-Herts Probation Service, said “Community Payback brings big benefits for local communities. Each year offenders in Hertfordshire carry out around 100,000 hours of unpaid work on projects that benefit the community. I am delighted that we have been able to make a difference to the visual street scene in the Ashley Road area and hope the work undertaken will last for many years to come. We are always looking for projects for our teams to work on and would be pleased to hear from any local voluntary or community groups which would like work undertaken.”

Other projects which the Council has completed in partnership with the Probation Service include the painting of a car park, repair to the Ver River path and repair to headstones at the Hatfield Road cemetery. This partnership has saved the Council thousands of pounds.