OFFENDERS who are serving punishment orders are to repay the local community by getting rid of graffiti in five St Helens School buildings.

The Graffiti Removal project ensures the removal of graffiti and chewing gum from the sites and offenders will all be under supervision from Merseyside Probation Service and members of the Council's graffiti removal team.

Council Leader Marie Rimmer, chair of the Local Strategic Partnership, which oversees the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, explained: "This is a valuable scheme which gives offenders the chance to put something back into the community and to help make the environment a cleaner more pleasant place for everyone."

The project is funded by Neighbourhood Renewal. Specialised environmentally friendly chemicals will be used to remove the graffiti.