National Highways has been providing cash and volunteering support to community projects in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
Following funding for a sensory garden at Nansledan Primary School near Newquay, National Highways and Costain volunteers from the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross road dualling project got to work last week to help create a calm outdoor space for schoolchildren.
The company’s social value funding has also helped the school’s environmental effort and the purchase of items from Cornwall-based Waterhaul for its young Eco Warriors to secure plastic-free status for a third year running.
This month, volunteers from National Highways joined up with Devon County Council colleagues and contractors Tarmac, AECOM and HW Martin for a social value initiative at Willand in Devon, which borders a section of the M5 where the company is undertaking a concrete renewal scheme.
The team effort helped to clear a 500-metre section of overgrown footpath through the village.
Sensory garden volunteers from the Chiverton to Carland Cross project with teacher Marcella Denning
National Highways south west regional director Jason Hones said: ‘Our social value initiative is a fantastic way in which we can complement our schemes and help local communities alongside our road network.
‘We’re passionate about making a positive impact on our local areas and communities, and we’re delighted to be able to benefit a number of communities bordering our road projects.’
The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme’s social value funding has also provided Cornwall Blood Bikes with a new motorbike, Cornwall Air Ambulance with a new fly suit, enabled East Wheal Rose Football Club and the Cornwall Saracens Basketball Club to purchase new equipment, and enabled St Allen Parish Council to install a new path and replace old and broken play area equipment at Zelah.
In Somerset, the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dualling scheme has also helped a number of community groups initiatives including the restoration of a playing field and new cricket nets in the village of Babcary, a play area project at Queen Camel, the restoration of a pond at Countess Gytha Primary School and new basketball equipment for The Charltons Community Centre.
National Highways launched its first Social Value Plan in October 2022, with the aim of supporting the wellbeing of communities living near its roads.
The team of volunteers who cleared the footpath in Willand
