Inmates put unloved bikes on straight and narrow

A Kent council is recycling bikes with the help of prison inmates.

Swale Borough Council's Cycle-re-Cycle project has sent over 100 donated and discarded bikes to HMP Swaleside for refurbishment.

Each newly serviced machine is then sold for £10.

Ben Silcock, the prison's industries manager, said: “Working together has provided valuable skills for our prisoners and essential transport for the local community.”

Many of the bikes that are upcycled come from waste recycling sites across Kent where they would otherwise be disposed of.

The prisoners are able to working towards a City & Guilds qualification in bike mechanics, provided by the Canterbury Bike Project.

The council-run scheme has already seen 100 bikes refurbished and sold with the help of local charity Sheppey Matters and Faversham Town Council’s Community Bike Day.

Councillor Rich Lehmann, chair of Swale's environment and climate change committee, said: “We are able to continue helping inmates in the project get qualifications and provide cheap and environmentally friendly transportation to our residents.

“The more people we can get cycling the better - it keeps you active, opens up opportunities for socialising and can save people money when getting around.”

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