Community Payback work in action

The Community Payback team (run by HM Prison & Probation Service) completes work for SBC at five allotment sites and some of the parks around the borough. 

At the Keel Drive allotment site, the council has allocated them their own allotment plot. 

Over the months, they have cultivated the plot and grown various vegetables including a great harvest of potatoes and some large squashes. The team were keen to help people in the local community.

The Community Payback team harvested the potatoes and squashes. A council officer then delivered them to St John The Baptist Church in Stoke Poges Lane. They operate a much-needed community pantry in the Manor Park area three times per week. 

They were delighted to receive the harvest and it was distributed to those seeking the pantry on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Additionally, Slough in Bloom judges awarded the Community Payback team a ‘silver’ in the Best Allotment Newcomer section. 

Cllr Gurcharan S Manku, lead member for environment and environmental services, said: “I am so pleased the Community Payback team have been recognised both by Slough in Bloom, scooping a silver award, for their contribution to the maintenance of the allotment as well as producing food for those in our community who need it most.

“This is a wonderful piece of partnership working and long may it continue. Thank you to Community Payback via the HM Prison & Probation Service, SBC officers, Keel Drive Allotment Association (KDAA) and St John The Baptist Church.”

Rev. Suzanne Johnson said: “At St John’s Church we run a Community Pantry twice a week when we encourage local families to eat healthy meals. The added donation of fresh vegetables from the probation service allotment was a great blessing to the, up to 30, families who benefit from the pantry produce. They said the produce was delicious! Well done to all those with green fingers, keep up the good work!”

Meeta Nakum, Chairperson at Keel Drive Allotment Association, said: “As Chair of the Keel Drive Allotment Association, I am proud of our long history of supporting the Probation Service in providing meaningful work that helps with rehabilitation and gives back to the community. 

“It was the KDAA who identified the plot now used by the Probation Team, and with funding from SBC, it has become a place where fresh produce can be grown for good causes. 

“The recent harvest, delivered to St John’s Church to support their community pantry, shows what can be achieved when local organisations work together. 

“This partnership between the KDAA, the Probation Team, SBC, and St John’s Church is a powerful example of how allotments can provide not only food, but also purpose and hope during the current cost of living crisis.”