People on community service have helped to clear overgrown areas in Willaston.

The Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service’s community service order programme has been assisting Douglas Council by providing work groups for a range of community projects, the most recent of which was cutting back overgrown areas along Manor Lane in Willaston.

The council provided the team with fuel and managed the green waste disposal.

Housing and property committee chairman Councillor Janet Thommeny said: ’Thanks to the community service team a number of our green spaces in Douglas are being rejuvenated.

’The council is pleased to be supporting the probation community service programme. It is a mutually beneficial scheme which not only helps with the rehabilitation of offenders but also improves the environment and benefits local communities.’

The probation service’s Andy Sutton said: ’The Isle of Man probation community service group are pleased to be given the opportunity to assist Douglas Council.

’These are not only a benefit to the local community, but also gives the service users skills and pride in what they can achieve using teamwork.’