School children across Staffordshire are receiving refurbished bikes through a partnership between Staffordshire County Council, HM Prison service and Halfords.
Tower View Primary School in Burton was recently presented with 19 bikes from the council's waste and recycling team and HMP representatives.
How the scheme works
Used bikes are collected from Staffordshire's household waste recycling centres and sent to HMP Drake Hall, where women prisoners participate in a renovation programme guided by Halfords. Prisoners gain a technical qualification through the work.
Once renovated, the bikes are distributed free of charge to school children, people who have recently gained employment or training through the county council's employment and skills team, and county care leavers.
Bikes that cannot be fully renovated are stripped for useable parts or sold at Rescue Me pop-up bike sales. Proceeds are split evenly between a supporting charity and funds to purchase helmets, lights and locks gifted with the renovated bikes.
Council support for the initiative
Andrew Mynors, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Connectivity, said the partnership demonstrates how recycling can benefit multiple groups. "Those involved at Drake Hall can learn valuable new skills which can help them on release," he added.
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, said the scheme encourages young people to be active while providing cost-saving transport. "This is in addition to working collaboratively with other organisations and businesses," she said.
Paul Motum, instructional officer from Halfords Academy, said he was proud to be involved in the partnership with Staffordshire County Council.