COMMUNITY payback orders have made a “significant contribution” to sprucing up the region, according to Scottish Borders Council.

Over the past year, work has included repairing flood-damaged paths and fencing, constructing a disabled ramp in Hawick, renovating second-hand bikes for the Just Cycle project and restoring park and street benches in Melrose.

The unpaid work is carried out under the supervision of the council’s Criminal Justice Social Work Service to allow offenders to put back into the community and learn a range of new skills.

Councillor Frances Renton, Executive Member for Social Work and Housing, said: “The diverse range of projects and activities undertaken by people subject to a community payback order across the Borders is to be commended, not only for the benefits that people subject to unpaid work will have received but also for the improvements that have been made to local communities.

“It is also encouraging to see the different opportunities being made available through engagement with schemes like Just Cycle.”

Last year, offenders repaired paths and fencing along the Teviot between Denholm and Hawick, which had been damaged by flooding and mended steps and paths along the Tweed near Roxburgh Castle. 

They also were involved in fixing paths in local communities, such as Tweedbank.

Lauder tennis club was also given a revamp, with a new path and bridge installed.

Ms Renton added: “It is worth noting that this is just a sample of what is being achieved and the Criminal Justice service is always keen to hear from local groups or organisations who may have ideas for new projects that would be suitable for them to undertake.

"I would therefore encourage anyone who may be interested to contact them to see what might be possible.”