The youngsters were litter picking after they were found guilty of harming wildlife and causing anti-social behaviour.
Youngsters found guilty of harming wildlife and causing anti-social behaviour in Balderton have cleaned up their act — as well as a local green space.
Those responsible agreed to take part in a restorative justice arrangement — which aims to reform those who commit anti-social behaviour — and were asked to litter pick around Balderton Lakes and Sustrans track.
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s public protection team worked with Nottinghamshire police to identify the culprits and arrange the clean-up.
The young people were joined by a police community support officer, council anti-social behaviour officer and community protection officer, who discussed the incident and the potential consequences of being involved in anything of such nature again in the future.
Council leader David Lloyd said: “Young people should be aware that if they are seen with any sort of weapons that could cause harm to animals or individuals they will be challenged by police and council officers and could face a ban of the area.
“We are actively working alongside the police to take a zero-tolerance approach towards anti-social behaviour. Crime enforcement is high on the agenda of our Cleaner, Safer And Greener initiative and we will continue to take the necessary action to ensure the district is a safe place to live, work and visit.
“Equally, we want to encourage young people to engage positively in the community and, alongside the police, we have organised an array of events for teens to offer positive activities for them to get involved with during the summer holidays.”
Inspector Heather Sutton, Newark’s police chief, said: “Restorative justice can help people reflect on what they have done and give them the opportunity to engage positively in the community.
“International reviews found that offenders who participated in restorative justice are significantly less likely to reoffend over two years than those who did not participate. I look forward to the community feeling the effects of this work.”
It is the second time restorative justice has been used this year by the council and police. In May, four people responsible for spates of graffiti in Newark were made to remove it.
