JAIL work teams will return to projects in villages around Bathurst following the lifting of a suspension of their community works program yesterday.

NSW Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham suspended the program in Bathurst and Tamworth a fortnight ago after concerns were raised that jail gangs might be completing work that should have been done by paid council staff.

“Our partnerships have seen work being undertaken by offenders in areas never previously serviced by council,” the commissioner said.

He said small communities rely upon the programs to maintain cemeteries, community halls and camping areas.

Source: The Western Advocate