RESIDENTS in Blackburn with Darwen can now for the first time vote on where criminals will carry out their community service.

Blackburn MP and Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Home Secretary Jacqui Smith launched a new campaign today where the public can decide where Community Payback schemes will be carried out.

Blackburn with Darwen has been revealed as one of the 54 Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas in the country.

Residents can vote through communitypayback.direct.gov.uk to clean up and reduce anti-social behaviour in one of five areas in the borough.

The area with the highest number of votes will be undertaken first by offenders carrying out Community Payback.

The public vote campaign follows the launch of branded high-visibility jackets for criminals on Community Payback in December last year, where they renovated community centres, cleared undergrowth and cleaned off graffiti for local communities.

MP Jack Straw said: “It’s crucial that the public - the taxpayer - has a say in what community punishments offenders receive.

"People have a right to know what offenders are doing in their neighbourhood to repay for the wrongs committed.

“We are determined to open up the justice system. Recent steps to do this include the appointment of a dedicated Victims Champion, giving distinctive orange jackets to offenders and now ensuring the public knows they have a say in punishing offenders.”

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith added: “It is vital that the public see that we are taking action to tackle the crimes that concern them most. Justice must be seen to be done.

“Community Payback is an important part of that process.

"By making it possible for the public to have their say on which projects offenders should carry out in their communities we are showing that we are on the side of the law abiding majority and not the offenders.”

Louise Casey, the Government’s Neighbourhood Crime and Justice adviser, added: “The public want to know that criminals are made to pay back for their crimes.

"Community Payback schemes make this a reality and, very importantly, they also now give the public a say in what criminals must actually do to serve their punishment and pay back to local communities.”

The five areas residents can vote for

  • Whitebirk Drive, Blackburn
  • Brownlow Street Garage Colony, Blackburn
  • Fernhurst Woods
  • King Street, Blackburn
  • Olive Lane, Darwen