New lease of life for Staxigoe Hall

STAXIGOE Hall has been given a facelift thanks to the Criminal Justice Services Community Payback Team (CPT) based in Wick.

The decorating, which took place over a period of seven weeks, was carried out by local offenders sentenced to carry out unpaid work in the community by Wick Sheriff Court and monitored by community payback supervisor Bob Miller.

Pam Jack, chairwoman of the Staxigoe Hall Committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the work carried out by the CPT. So many members of the community will benefit from this fantastic work.

“The hall is used regularly by a variety of local groups and although it is in good condition it benefits no end from this bright, fresh new look.”

Graeme Bremner, the hall committee secretary, presented a donation of an electric drill to Mr Millar for use on future projects by the team.

Steve MacDonald, community payback officer for Caithness, said: “It is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team and the benefits to the community through the unpaid work carried out by local offenders is huge.”

Community payback orders are given by Wick Sheriff Court to offenders as an alternative means to fines or prison sentences.

Mr MacDonald said: “It is the role of the community payback officer to ensure that these orders are carried out in line with the directions of the court.”

Community payback is a punishment which requires offenders to pay back the community for the crimes they have committed. They have to carry out anywhere between 40 to 300 hours of demanding unpaid work as a sentence from courts.

Criminal Justice Services can be contacted on 01349 781300.

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