Children learn art of site safety
A group of schoolchildren in Seaham have been learning about construction and the environment, whilst also honing their artistic skills.
The young Picassos, from Seaham Trinity Primary School, designed posters to adorn the hoardings around the Byron Mews development – just off Heathway in the town.
And, they hope their pictures will help people to understand the dangers and how to stay safe when around building sites.
The winning poster, created by Layla Littlemore, aged ten, was announced at the opening of the development’s brand new show home, which she and classmates attended as special guests.
The children have been working with representatives from Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC), which is building 116 two, three and four-bedroom homes on the site.
Chairman of DVRC, Coun Carl Marshall, said: “We have been working with the schoolchildren, talking about site safety, what goes in to building a house and helping with their investigations into how the areas around where they live are changing – to which our Byron Mews development contributes significantly.”
Ian Prescott, land and partnerships director for Keepmoat Homes, said: “We’re delighted that the children from Seaham Trinity Primary School were able to launch these show homes.
“Their creativity was clearly on display during the poster challenge and the standard was very high, so a special congratulations must go to Layla.
“Our partnership approach through this joint venture with Durham County Council has enabled us to transform council owned land into the much needed new homes and also engage school children with the construction industry and the importance of site safety.”
Glenda Cowgill, a teacher at the school, said: “The children have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the project and had great fun designing and creating their safety posters.
“They are excited at the prospect of our designs being used on the building site here in the town.”
Byron Mews, which is part of a £16million initiative, is being delivered by DVRC, a joint venture between Durham County Council and Keepmoat Homes.
Since formation in 2001, DVRC has invested more than £150million, creating over 1,300 homes – around a quarter of these properties are for shared ownership or affordable rent.
“The children have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the project” GLENDA COWGILL