HMP Peterborough prison helps Cross Keys' hostel residents with a form of transport

July 21, 2008

STOLEN and recovered bicycles are being distributed by a local prison to hostel residents thanks to an ongoing partnership agreement.

HMP Peterborough prison and the city’s largest housing association Cross Keys Homes have been working together on a project to help prisoners learn new skills while providing homeless hostel residents with a free form of transport.

The initiative started in August last year with more than 20 bikes being stripped down and rebuilt by the prisoners. The project is aimed at giving inmates the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the local community.

The bikes have been welcomed by Cross Keys Homes’ hostel residents across the city who have benefited from having a form of transport which otherwise would have been limited.

Darren Miles, HMP Peterborough male interventions senior officer, said: “This initiative helps to reduce re-offending and gives prisoners the chance to make a fresh start learning new skills which could help with future employment.”

Cross Keys Homes’ Hope House hostel manager, John Walker, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with HMP Peterborough and thanks to their help we are able to provide our residents with free bikes which are invaluable to them.”

For further information about Cross Keys Homes visit: www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk