Local residents are being asked to nominate areas to be cleaned of graffiti by convicted offenders as part of a special project.

The Community Payback scheme sees offenders serve justice for their crimes by carrying out community service. Residents can have graffiti removed from walls, doors and fences in the area, whilst being supervised by the Hertfordshire Probation Trust.

The project was launched in November last year by the Hertford Safer Neighbourhood Team in partnership with the Hertfordshire Probation Trust and the district and county Councils.

PC Kerry Holdgate of the Hertford Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "This is an excellent project that will see graffiti removed from our streets and help clear up our town by convicted offenders who will be serving justice for their crimes and giving something back to the community."

Kerry continued: "I would like to thank County Councillors for East Herts, Sally Newton and Peter Ruffles, who have both kindly donated money from their locality budget towards the cost of running the project and I am sure it will continue to have a positive impact on the town".

Residents can nominate an area to be cleaned by emailing environmental.crime@eastherts.gov.uk or by calling 01279 655 261 – ext 3507.