Mears, schools staff and pupils renovate Vale of Berkeley College bike shed.
Warm weather, the environment and a wish to further promote healthy living has led Vale of Berkeley College, Berkeley, to jump at the chance of having its bicycle shed refurbished by leading social housing repairs and maintenance specialist Mears.
The community project will see two teams of six employees from Mears headquarters in Gloucester, four students and two staff from the college join forces on 25th and 26th of June to transform the current bicycle shed which was originally built over 40 years ago.
"It is a great project that will promote a healthier, better lifestyle for pupils and replace an outdated, unsafe structure with something secure and attractive," explains Donna Ellis, Management Accountant for Mears, Gloucester. "It's going to be a couple of days of intense work, but we can't wait to get started, particularly given the enthusiasm we've had from the students."
The college has chosen four students from Years 10 and 11 to take part in the project - the pupils, who plan to do building courses or construction degrees when they leave school, will gain valuable experience in security and construction, as well as painting and decorating.
"It's going to be a couple of days of intense work, but students really are clamouring to get involved with this project," explains Carl Ellis, Site Manager at the college. "It is going to be a great team building exercise, and we're all very much looking forward to rolling our sleeves up and getting stuck in."
Recycling the cycling shed is one of a host of community projects undertaken by Mears nationwide. For Mears Gloucester, the community and environment bug has well and truly taken hold and the company is already looking to undertake further projects at the college. Ideas include recycling the computers, printers and other hardware, wiping any data from them and donating them to schools for children with learning disabilities.
"It has been fantastic to see the pupils at the school so excited about the project," said Donna, "and it will really help in promoting a sense of achievement and pride for their school."