Yobs forced to clean up seaside town beaches in community payback drive ordered by ministers

YOBS will be forced to clean rubbish off beaches under a community payback drive.

Ministers want offenders to “give back to society” by picking up wet wipes and bottles from Britain’s blighted coastlines.

Thugs given unpaid work orders will be sent out in high-vis jackets emblazoned with “Community Payback” so residents can see justice being done. 

Between them louts will put in more than a thousand hours of graft over 10 days this month as part of the Great British Beach Clean.

The Probation Service has teamed up with the Marine Conservation Society to put offenders to work.

More than 50,000 unpaid work requirements are handed out by courts each year for criminals guilty of theft, damage and drunken disorder.

Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said: “The Government is coming down hard on the anti-social behaviour which makes other people’s lives a misery.

“We want offenders visibly atoning for their crimes in a way which benefits the law-abiding majority and this work also helps protect our beautiful coastline.”

Ministers are investing £93million into community payback schemes, including giving locals a greater say over punishments.

Jennifer Mitchell, Director of Engagement and Communications at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We’re pleased to see offenders making a difference to their communities and environment by contributing to our work. 

“Clearing our beaches of litter is not only a great way to give back to society, it also helps us tackle ocean pollution by gathering vital data.”