Pupils at Harrow Lodge Primary School are set to benefit from the planting of new trees along with new fencing thanks to a donation from Havering’s housing contractors Equans UK & Ireland and Mears.
Cllr Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and Cllr Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, were joined by the housing contractors, Lynette Searle, Head Teacher, and staff and pupils, at Harrow Lodge Primary School, to check out the recent upgrades on Wednesday 11 February.
A total of 65 young trees were planted before Christmas, ahead of Mears, Havering’s housing repairs contractor, donating their time and expertise to install a substantial boundary fence along the perimeter of the school garden.
The kind donation from Equans UK & Ireland, the Council’s windows and doors housing contractor, is part of their social value delivery programme, and has resulted in improved security and outdoor facilities, which will provide a welcome break from the classroom for current and future pupils for years to come.
An additional 145 young trees were donated by Equans UK & Ireland to garden clubs across the borough to further boost Havering’s extensive green environment.
The donation from the housing contractors is another example of the community spirit being realised in the Council’s flagship Where We Live campaign, that highlights the efforts taken by communities to take pride in their neighbourhoods and work alongside the Council to help keep Havering cleaner and greener.
Cllr Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Havering Council, said:
“The improvements at Harrow Lodge Primary make such a positive difference to the school, pupils and local environment.
“In addition to the aesthetic and security benefits of the new fencing, the newly planted trees will be nurtured into providing a sustainable green feature for future generations of pupils to enjoy.
“Thanks to Equans and Mears for these generous contributions, and to the local volunteers and the school’s Parent Teacher Association in making this donation possible.
“I hope these upgrades will inspire and encourage our younger residents to get involved in our Where We Live campaign.”
Richard Sanz, Social Value and Community Officer, Equans UK & Ireland, said:
“Working together with our supply chain and other contractors for Havering Council is a great way to maximise the impact that social value can bring.
“When we heard that the community garden at Harrow Lodge Primary School needed investment, we jumped at the opportunity to rectify this with our supply chain partners Travis Perkins, who donated the fence panels, posts and gravel boards through the Equans UK & Ireland award winning community pot fund.
“Thanks to Mears who also stepped up to have the fence installed and transform the garden space, so that the school is now able to use this space in a safe and secure environment.”