NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 7th January 2010 GET OFFENDERS TO HELP CLEAR PERTH & KINROSS PAVEMENTS Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the SNP Government to make criminals doing community service in Perth & Kinross help clear the local roads and pavements. The issue was raised during First Minister’s Question Time today (7th January) when Scottish Conservative Leader Annabel Goldie MSP asked the First Minister to get offenders to help clear Scotland’s roads. During the exchange, Alex Salmond MSP admitted that just 6.6% of available criminals doing community service are helping to clear Scotland’s roads. The average number of hours for a community service penalty is 146 [source: Scottish Government]. In 2007/8 there were 5,593 community service orders issued. Murdo Fraser said: “The First Minister admitted there are 2,500 people currently available for community service in Scotland and I want to see offenders in Perth & Kinross help out the effort to clear our local roads and pavements of snow and ice. What better way for an offender to repay their debt to society then by doing their community service through helping out during the severe weather. “Some roads are dangerous and many pavements are hazardous to walk on. The weather has already caused havoc across Perth and Kinross and this extreme weather is forecast to continue for some time yet. Some areas have been gritted and cleared by council services and a number of streets have been cleared by residents doing their bit for the community. I want to see offenders doing community service to also help out as there are many parts of Perth & Kinross will icy roads and pavements.” ENDS   back to top of page