Area 7 team join highways community to give school a makeover

14 Nov 2017

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A primary school in Kettering has been extensively refurbished thanks to the efforts of a team of volunteers from the highways maintenance community in the East Midlands.

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School received a much-needed facelift after 80 employees from 12 different organisations provided materials to carry out the work over a two-week period.

Communal areas were cleaned, walls and woodwork painted, and 275 old coat hooks replaced with brightly coloured, matching ones among the many tasks achieved. New plastic sheeting was also installed around busy places near bannisters and canteen, so they can be wiped clean more easily.

There were major improvements outside as well. Benches were given a new lease of life while planters were built out of fence posts that create a welcoming entrance to the building. The playground had new long-lasting rubber surface laid to ensure that pupils are able to play in a safe environment.

This hugely impressive team effort was made possible through close collaboration between the various organisations working via East Midlands Asset Delivery (EMAD) for Highways England. They include maintenance and response contractor Amey, design contractor Kier, and 21 other suppliers.

Amey’s Principal Operations Manager Katy Stephens, who was a key organiser of the event, said: “This was a great community involvement project which saw the many partners in EMAD really work together and get a brilliant result. Not only does this primary school in the heart of Kettering now look significantly improved but this was a wonderful opportunity for the various organisations in EMAD to further cement their working relationships. A great project which was an honour to take part in!”

Catherine Brookes, regional director at Highways England, joined colleagues in carrying out the facelift. She said: “We were delighted to get involved and do our bit to help the school. It’s great to see organisations coming together like this to support the local community.”

Fraser Donald, Head Teacher of St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, said: “I would just like to say a HUGE ‘thank you’ to Amey, Highways England and their suppliers for all their hard work, commitment and vision to our summer renovation project at school. The work was carried out to a high standard and I am so pleased with the fresh start they have given to all of our school family at St Thomas More. Thank you again for everything and please know that you are always welcome back – you are part of the family now!”

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