A PLANNED new public garden is to be created by a prison with the help of low risk offenders.

Northallerton Prison is fencing off some of its land between Crosby Road and East Road and turning it into a landscaped wildlife area.

Joanna Lupton, head of reduced reoffending at HMP Northallerton, said it is one of several projects the prison is currently involved in which should help improve employment prospects for offenders.

She said: “We aim to involve some low risk offenders in this project and this will be a way in which they can give back to the community.

“The support we are being offered from local businesses is very much appreciated and demonstrates the collective enthusiasm to create and develop environmental enhancements locally which will benefit all residents of Northallerton.

“We envisage the garden to be pretty, colourful and inviting and will be reflection on the efforts that are being put into its improvement. The presence of historical information about the establishment and signage relating to the plants and birds will not only be informative but educational.”

The Northallerton Environmental Enhancement Initiative (NEEI) is working with the prison on the project. The organisation is set up to create more wildlife habitats in Northallerton. There will be flowerbeds, bird boxes and seating on the land, plus an information board describing the history of the prison.

Northallerton Rotary Club is also supporting the prison gardens project and has donated a wooden bench for the gardens and Northallerton & District Lioness Club is also supporting the venture.