12 August 2009
Young offenders at Thorn Cross Prison in Warrington are getting the opportunity to test out new skills and improve their CVs thanks to United Utilities.
The utilities giant, which has a long-established relationship with the prison, has embarked on a project to improve the landscaping and appearance of its wastewater treatment works and has enlisted the help of prisoners at Thorn Cross.
"The transport team has taken lads from Thorn Cross for a number of years," explained United Utilities' Transport Manager Mark Booth.
"The lads have worked very well in our workshop teams and I hope the benefit they get from developing new skills and experience will be valuable to them for many years to come," he added.
Over the summer a team of prisoners will be carrying out the first phase of the project, which is to give a facelift to the outside of United Utilities' Warrington North Wastewater Treatment Works.
The team of six - Jay, Kevin, Luke, Glynn, Will and Ben - designed three different landscape themes themselves including a large letter 'U' made of white pebbles at the entrance to the works and a diamond-shaped memorial to Brian Southern - a former United Utilities employee who died in service in 2002.
"The lads have been terrific," said Chris Connor, who works on-site and has been supervising the project.
"It is clear they all want to do the best they can."
Project Co-ordinator and Thorn Cross inmate Jay said: "It has been hard work but it has been a brilliant experience.
"We have all enjoyed having something more challenging to do."
Julie Probert, Partnership Project Manager at Thorn Cross, commented: "Having gained their qualifications in prison, this project is giving our young men a progression route and somewhere to put their skills into practice.
"We are truly grateful to United Utilities for providing this opportunity and for its continued support," she added.
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