RESIDENTS in Lancashire will be able to decide on how child criminals are punished through community service schemes.

People can suggest punishments for young offenders aged 10 to 17 through an initiative being trialled in the north west.

Voters can choose from tasks including cleaning graffiti, repairing vandalism and charity work.

The 'Making Good' scheme is aimed at making children realise the consequences of their actions and take responsibility, while repairing the harm they’ve caused.

It could go nationwide from early next year.

For a two month period, from November 30 until January 31, 2010, public suggestions will be considered and implemented where practically possible.

Justice Secretary, Jack Straw said: “Youth Crime, no matter how small, can wreck the lives of both victims and the young people involved.”

Frances Done, chairman of the Youth Justice Board said: "For the first time local people are being asked for specific ideas for community reparation which will benefit both their local area and the young person carrying out the work.”

In March, Blackburn with Darwen residents were asked to choose from five projects to be tackled by adult offenders as one of 54 pilot areas in a government community payback initiative.

The launch comes on the first anniversary of offenders participating in community payback having to wear high-visibility orange jackets in East Lancashire.

The jackets are being worn by around 1,000 offenders a month at more than 80 projects visible to the public in Lancashire.

Suggestions can be made at the website below.