Local offenders assist with Ramsgate's ground improvements

About 40 offenders sentenced to community punishments by courts have been carrying out ground improvements for Ryman Premier League side Ramsgate.

 

They have helped the club bring its Southwood Stadium up to the standard of the Ryman Premier League.

"On a Tuesday or Wednesday there is always someone with a paintbrush in their hand," said manager Jim Ward.

"It is great - they are strimming or putting up fences, things that a lot of football clubs can't afford to keep doing."

Offenders such as grandmother Kay Price are working under the supervision of Kent Probation Area's Community Payback scheme.

"I know I've done wrong and I feel as if I am being punished," she said.

"I have got respect for what they are trying to do here - if it keeps the youth out of prison I am all for it."

The club has been promoted two seasons running and is currently 10 points from the top of the division.

Chairman Richard Lawson said he was delighted with the work the Community Payback team had put in.

"Without their help would not have been able to put more money into our player budget and would have had to spend it on maintenance," he said.

Community Payback manager Tim Salisbury said it agreed to get involved with the football club because it runs 30 youth teams.

"One of our aims is to get kids involved in sport so they are not on the streets or causing anti-social behaviour," he said.

Source:  www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6504769.stm

Visit Ramsgate's website:  www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk