WirralWallasey Village United Reformed Church

This project was identified via Community Engagement through the local Police Community Officer who contacted Wirral Community Payback to see if we could help.

Wirral Community Payback teams removed trees and bushes including the roots from existing flower beds, they also removed the grassed area and the Tarmac pathway. When this was completed fresh topsoil was laid and levelled then the area was seeded with grass seed. Three 8 tonne skips where filled with waste from the site.Offenders then moved and levelled 30 tonnes of top soil into the area.

In addition to this work the edging stones were lifted, re-laid and concreted back into place to form gullies around each downspout of the church. Mike Bray, Community Payback supervisor also took on the relaying of crazy paving in the car park area which had become uneven and was causing a problem with large puddles forming every time it rained. Mike also supervised, guided and trained the offenders in the re-pointing of the sandstone wall.The trees were pruned and the remainder of the gardens were generally tidied up.

Once the groundwork was complete, the team was asked to paint the outside of the church, which has made a huge difference to its appearance.

In total, 773 unpaid work hours were completed on this project saving the community £4,700 based on the national minimum wage.Church Elder David Bigmore said: “The church has been delighted with the quality of work undertaken by the Community Payback team. The efficient organisation enabled us to continue using the premises uninterrupted. A large amount of work was achieved and the site was always left clean, tidy and secure. With our thanks and best wishes for all Community Payback is doing for our communities.”