Community payback helps improve safety and promote wildlife
15 September 2026
The Community Payback Team, part of East of England Probation Service in Northamptonshire, have been working alongside West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to improve public safety and create cleaner, safer spaces for residents, students, visitors and wildlife.
One of the latest projects focused on the former railway line running alongside Beckett Park towards the University. The route had been identified by students as an area where they felt unsafe due to dense overgrowth and concealed areas that could be used for anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.
Working over the summer, Community Payback teams cleared vegetation along the route, opening up sightlines and improving natural surveillance for those using the path. In addition to making the area feel safer and more accessible, branches removed during the clearance were repurposed to create windbreaks and nesting habitats for birds, helping to minimise environmental impact and support local wildlife.
The work comes ahead of the arrival of new and returning students for Freshers' Week, ensuring a key route between the University and the town centre is safer and more welcoming for those travelling on foot.
Community Payback teams have also supported wider efforts to address anti-social behaviour across the town. At Harding Terrace and Upper Priory Street, clearance work was carried out following reports of drug-related activity and sex work in the area.
Most recently, teams have been working on Emporium Way, where vegetation management is helping to improve CCTV coverage and support enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order in place there.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC, said: "This work demonstrates the positive impact that partnership working can have on our communities. By working with the Probation Service we have been able to improve safety, address environmental concerns and respond directly to issues raised by local residents and students. The improvements will help create spaces that feel safer, cleaner and more welcoming for everyone."
David Thompson, Community Payback Placement Co-ordinator at Northamptonshire Probation Service, said: "Community Payback plays an important role in improving local communities while giving individuals the chance to make a positive difference.
“We are pleased to partner with West Northamptonshire Council on projects that enhance public spaces, support community safety, and help people make reparation to the community through meaningful work."