PCC-funded bulb planting scheme wins over the judges in Northumbria in Bloom awards.

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is toasting success after scooping a top award for a bulb planting scheme which sees perpetrators of crime giving back to their communities.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC was presented with the Judge’s Discretionary Award at the Northumbria in Bloom Awards for the County Durham and Darlington Community Reparation Scheme.

The awards, celebrating their 60th anniversary, were held at The Fed in Gateshead and inspire communities to improve their areas through community gardening and environmental projects.  

Commissioner Allen’s award-winning scheme involved planting bulbs in anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspot locations across the county as part of a strategy to build pride in local communities and deter crime and nuisance behaviour.

The planting was carried out by ex-offenders as part of a programme of reparative activity which encourages the volunteers to give back to their communities and make amends for their past behaviour.

Durham County Council’s Clean and Green team and Darlington Borough Council’s Street Scene service worked alongside the National Probation Service to enhance the entrances to 34 locations and specific areas where ASB occurs.

The bulbs were planted in mixed designs to achieve longevity of colour over a longer period, typically from February to July. The different varieties flower in sequence and provide a change of colour and height throughout the flowering months.

Building on the initial achievements, the scheme will be expanded through pilot funding provided by the government, rather than relying on local taxpayers. This approach ensures that the project can continue to grow, enhancing more communities across County Durham and Darlington without placing any financial strain on local residents.

Commenting on the win, Commissioner Allen said: “I am thrilled to receive this award on behalf of the whole team. Full credit goes to our partners and the planting volunteers for their efforts.

“This project was a unique entry into the Northumbria in Bloom awards and crossed the boundaries of both restorative justice and community engagement and we are really proud that it has been recognised.

“Our Community Reparation Scheme not only promotes the rehabilitation of ex-offenders but also helps to prevent further unwanted ASB in these communities. We’ve had really good feedback from residents who’ve enjoyed seeing the flowers bloom throughout the summer and support the holistic approach we are taking.

This project is a perfect example of the Broken Window Theory in action - by improving environments, we reduce the fear of crime and foster a greater sense of community spirit. The bulbs planted in ASB hotspots will bloom for years, offering a lasting, visible reminder of the positive change these efforts bring. Unlike litter picking or graffiti removal, this is a form of reparation the community can appreciate over time, and those who took part can take pride in knowing their work will have a long-term impact.

Judges quote:

“We all know how important a sense of civic pride in our local neighbourhoods is.  A lack of such often leads to anti-social behaviour and nuisance.  This year an initiative funded by the Office of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner saw the planting of 60,000 bulbs in 34 anti-social behaviour hotspots across County Durham & Darlington in an effort to build pride in the local community and deter crime and nuisance behaviour.  The planting was carried out by people who have offended and were subject to Community Payback.  This is part of a programme of reparative activity which encourages the offenders to give back to their communities and make amends for their behaviour.  The judges were impressed that the scheme not only supported the rehabilitation of people who have offended but also helps to discourage and prevent further unwanted behaviour in these areas; as well as providing wonderful floral displays to enhance and improve the quality of life in communities in so many different ways.”