A FOUNTAIN which has not worked for more than two decades is flowing again as a result of a scheme where offenders are made to pay back their debt to society.

The cascades at Highfields, in University Park, were dirty, smelly and full of silt and mud after years of neglect.

But they have now been restored to full working order by the Community Payback scheme.

And even though the people who worked on the project were originally given the task as a punishment by the legal system, they found the work so rewarding that they volunteered to give up their free time to finish it.

Phil Kirk, a community service supervisor who led the project, said: "The team responded incredibly well.

"They have seen the place changed from a derelict site and unsightly mess to something that's beautiful.

"They have volunteered to come here for extra days to make sure they can be a part of it to the end. It's a good thing for the community. It's got a lot of applause from local people.

"People can see that community service can actually be a positive thing."

Offenders had to clear the cascades and removed rocks and boulders by hand that had been thrown in. They also found one of the gates to the park had been thrown into it and had to realign the sandstone rocks of the waterfall.

Mr Kirk said up to eight offenders worked on the project each day, with help from two city council workers, Kevin Thornley and Troy Mylers.

They are now waiting for a new gate to be delivered so the cascades can be officially opened.

Coun Dave Trimble, Nottingham City Council portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customers, said: "This has been an example of great partnership working in the city and the results have already brought comments of praise and appreciation from local residents.

"It will be great to see the Cascade Fountain at its best again and I look forward to seeing it in operation. I would like to thank all those who have worked alongside the city council's parks development team to achieve such a good result for Highfield Park."

As part of another community payback project, Mr Kirk was also working with offenders to restore a war memorial in Wollaton Park in time for Remembrance Sunday services.