Pupils from Iron Acton Primary School in South Gloucestershire have been given a behind-the-scenes look at the new homes being built in the village.
Local housing association Merlin and its construction partner Lovell invited children from the school to tour the building site. More than 80 children aged four to 11 visited the site during the day and were able to see some of the machinery in action and ask questions about the new homes.
Lovell Community Coordinator Bernadette Vickery added: “We try to engage with local schools wherever we can through our commitment to being an active part of the communities where we are building. It allows us to communicate important messages to pupils about staying safe when they’re near construction activity, as well as helping children learn more about the work we do within the industry and the different careers and jobs it offers.”
Activities organised for the Iron Acton pupils included a talk by Paul Jones, Lovell’s Local Site Manager, about the process of building new homes and a chance for the older pupils to meet the company’s Regional Training Advisor, Darryl Williams, who talked to them about jobs in housebuilding, including opportunities for women in construction. The visit was part of a series of activities being organised by Lovell and Merlin for the Iron Acton pupils, with future events set to include a talk on ecology and how construction companies work to protect the natural environment.
Merlin is building 27 new homes in Algars Drive, Chilwood Close and Nibley Lane to replace 18 old properties. The new homes are part of 72 homes that Merlin is building in the village and nearby Coalpit Heath as part of its ongoing development programme. The first four homes were completed before Christmas and residents have already moved in. Work on the homes in Iron Acton are due to be completed in phases throughout 2018.
