Issued: 19 June 2006
Churchyard Project Complete
A Successful partnership between Angus Council, Noranside Prison and the local community, has lead to the transformation of Tannadice Churchyard.
The regeneration of the churchyard has seen greenery tidied up and cut back to bring in more light and provide clear views of the river.
Pruning works have cut back shrub beds revealing headstones, many of which have not been seen for years, while a new bedding area with seating has been created.
The work also involved the removal of large old conifers to allow access for hearses around the roadway of the new extension.
Local company Delson Contracts provided skips and gravel to revamp the paths, while the council’s parks service repaired rabbit fencing by the river and donated a new picnic table.
The project was the latest in a line of initiatives under the partnership between Angus Council Leisure Services Department and Noranside, which gives prisoners due for release new skills while preparing for freedom.
Those who take part are awarded with certificates and references from the council to help with finding employment outside prison and thereby reducing the risk of re-offending.
Supervised by workers from the council, the men also removed the old midden and shed, with a new shed being installed by the church.
Meeting local people and representatives of Noranside Prison at the churchyard (Monday 19 June 11am), Angus Convener of Environmental and Leisure Services Joy Mowatt said: “This has been one of our most successful ventures which has seen the community, the council, the church and Noranside prison form a unique partnership all working together to transform this historic churchyard.”
Councillor Mowatt paid tribute to both the prisoners from Noranside for their hard work and the local community who supported the project and made the prisoners welcome in the village.
Robert King, a member of the Noranside team, was presented with a certificate to recognise all his hard work which can be used as a reference for future employment.
The next project to be undertaken by the partnership will be at The Hill in Kirriemuir, where a major clear up is planned.