Criminals are giving a local nature reserve a deep clean as part of a community payback initiative.

Vandals, thieves, graffiti-taggers and drink drivers are trimming overgrown bushes, cleaning up graffiti and picking up litter at Oak Lane Sidings Nature Reserve this month.

All of the offenders had been given unpaid work orders to compel them to do the work.

West London resident David Lindo, who is a major supporter of Wormwood Scrubs and the nature reserve is backing the Community Payback scheme.

He said: “I am passionate about wildlife and what the criminals are doing to improve the habitat here is wonderful.

"They are preserving a very worthwhile and beautiful area for other residents to enjoy. It’s a great idea.”

The offenders – who wear orange high visibility jackets – have recently completed similar work in other local spots.

Councillor Greg Smith, cabinet member for crime and street scene, said: "The community payback programme is a key part of the council’s zero tolerance crackdown on crime.

“On one level the work helps revamp parts of the borough that need an extra bit of attention but perhaps more importantly the scheme compels the offenders to physically put something back into the borough.”

The programme is run in conjunction with the probation service and allows residents to suggest sites to be cleaned up.

Coun Smith added: "While punishments like community payback will never be a replacement for tougher prison sentences they are one way we can force criminals to make some attempt to make up for the harm they have caused.”

To suggest a project that the offenders could work on please email payback@london.probation.gsi.gov.uk.