Offenders could be forced to wear high-visibility clothes while carrying out punishments in the community under a new pilot scheme to be trialled in Bristol.

The city is one of 60 areas across the country to sign up as a neighbourhood crime and justice "pioneer area" under plans to bring the justice system closer to communities.

The plan to make criminals sentenced to non-custodial punishments wear fluorescent jackets or bibs while repaying their debt to society was put forward by Louise Casey, the Government's neighbourhood crime and justice adviser.

They could be made to clean up areas or do other jobs nominated by residents, with coverage in newspapers and signs erected after as a reminder that the work was carried out by offenders.

The scheme would see a neighbourhood crime and justice co-ordinator appointed to fight for the rights of victims and oversee the toughening up of community sentences.

The Government is concerned that many people currently consider the system too "remote" and too soft on criminals who are given non-custodial sentences.

Bristol city councillor Derek Pickup, cabinet member for care, crime and deprivation, welcomed the plan. He said: "If more visible community service is brought to Bristol, we would welcome it.

"Making people aware of what work is being done and who is doing it should be enthusiastically supported.

"Anything that engages the community with what is going on around them tends to be more sustainable."

Offenders already carry out work at the ss Great Britain through the Avon and Somerset Probation Community Payback scheme. They can be seen cleaning the ship's glass, repairing cobbled paths and walls and working on woodwork on board the ship.

Director of the ss Great Britain Trust, Matthew Tanner MBE, said: "The ss Great Britain Trust is happy to support the Probation Service in raising the profile of this important work, and its benefit to the public. Work undertaken through the Community Payback scheme is vital to the ongoing maintenance and conservation of the ss Great Britain.

"As an independent museum and registered charity, which receives no local or central government funding, the Trust needs to generate income through visitors, venue hire, weddings and civil partnerships.

"Without the support of Community Payback it would be difficult to meet the full costs associated with caring for this historic ship, and to meet high standards for our visitors."

In parts of the US offenders carrying out punishment in the community already have to wear clothes which draw the public's attention to them.

The practice was brought under the spotlight in 2006, when pop star Boy George was photographed sweeping streets in New York dressed in a fluorescent jacket as part of a five-day sentence for wasting police time.

Announcing the "pioneer area" plans, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "The public have told us what they want from policing and the justice system – services that listen and act on their priorities. But sometimes the criminal justice system can feel remote and appear more interested in supporting offenders than punishing them or protecting communities. We are determined to take action on this across Government.

"The new neighbourhood crime and justice co-ordinators will be a dedicated resource to act on the public's behalf to make sure that justice is done and seen to be done in their local communities."

The dedicated co-ordinators, backed by £5.6 million of Government funding nationally, will be responsible for ensuring that community punishments in their areas are "visible and tough", and that the public have a greater say on how men and women who have committed crimes should make amends for the harm they have caused.

They will also be asked to ensure that services and support for victims and witnesses, such as separate seating arrangements at court, are "up to scratch", as well as informing residents about their rights to know the identity of their neighbourhood policing team, how they can hold them to account and the minimum level of service they should expect.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: "I'm determined to continue the transformation of the justice system into a service for victims and witnesses – one where people know it is on the side of the law-abiding majority.

"To do this we must open up the system further, making it more transparent and showing people through clear examples such as tough, visible Community Payback. The pioneer areas will be a vital part of this – and they are another step in the reforming of the justice system for the benefit of all."

The Home Secretary is also encouraging police forces to meet the terms of the National Policing Pledge, under which forces commit to setting priorities with local communities and update them on progress at least once a month.

It also requires officers to respond to calls on agreed priorities within an hour and neighbourhood policing teams to spend at least 80 per cent of their time "visibly" working for the community.