Communities in County Durham and Darlington blighted by anti-social behaviour have been transformed into floral attractions in a unique reparation scheme.

The initiative was made possible by funding obtained by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for County Durham and Darlington, Joy Allen.

The plan aims to instil local pride and discourage criminal activity.

Under the scheme, bulbs were planted across various parts of the county identified as 'hotspots' for anti-social behaviour, by people currently serving Community Payback.

The Northern Echo: Bulbs have been planted in anti-social hotspots throughout County Durham and DarlingtonBulbs have been planted in anti-social hotspots throughout County Durham and Darlington (Image: DURHAM PCC)

This initiative is part of a reparative plan, encouraging offenders to make amends and contribute positively to their communities.

The physical work was carried out in collaboration with Durham County Council’s Clean and Green team and Darlington Borough Council’s Street Scene service.

All groups worked in tandem with the National Probation Service to beautify the grounds of 34 specific locations.

The bulbs used for this project were sourced from Amsterdam, and planted in mixed patterns to ensure lasting colour from February to July.

The mix contained three types of flowers - Narcissi (daffodils), Alliums, and Camassias, which bloom sequentially providing varied colours and heights across the flowering months.

The Northern Echo: Residents living in areas affected by anti-social behaviour can soon expect colourful bloomsResidents living in areas affected by anti-social behaviour can soon expect colourful blooms (Image: DURHAM PCC)

Commissioner Allen said: "I am proud to back this project which not only supports the rehabilitation of people who have offended but also helps to discourage and prevent further unwanted behaviour in these areas.

"I know that floral displays enhance and improve the quality of life in communities in so many different ways.  This continues my well-known support for Bloom.  When I was a County Councillor I drove the project which saw us win Best Large Town Category in the Northumbria in Bloom competition. "

She added: "Reducing ASB is a key priority for me and helping to restore a sense of pride in our neighbourhoods is one of many strategies we are employing to improve safety.

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"If we don’t care about our public spaces, then we are unlikely to care about other issues that impact negatively on people’s lives and will invite others to treat those areas with contempt."

As the new scheme continues to develop, local residents can anticipate a colourful spectacle of blooming flowers in the coming months.

Commissioner Allen said: "Residents are in for a real treat in the coming months as these displays bloom."