Pictured above: Jessica Peters (11) proudly displays
the winning entry whilst back (l-r) Mark Towney, citizenship
co-ordinator, Holly Hall Mathematics and Computing College, Neil
Smith, senior project manager, Midland Heart, Amarpreet Malhi (12),
Sarah Wilmot (11), Harrison Johal (12), Alexander Hall (12) and
Matt Colloby, business development manager, William Davis Ltd try
out the vests for size!
Jessica Peters (11), a pupil at Holly Hall Mathematics and
Computing College in Dudley, has seen her winning Health &
Safety design printed onto high-visibility vests as part of an
awareness campaign launched by Loughborough-based contractor and
developer, William Davis Ltd, Birmingham-based housing and
regeneration group, Midland Heart and Dudley Council.
The organisations are currently working in partnership on Broad
Meadow, the £16m extra care housing development at Middlepark
Road and as part of their community involvement, have been working
alongside two local schools in a variety of educational
initiatives. One such initiative was the launch of a Health &
Safety slogan/logo competition, following a special assembly
delivered by William Davis' H&S advisor, Dan Platten focusing
on H&S awareness around construction sites.
Jessica's winning design, which depicts the 'Stay Safe and
Bright' logo together with a construction worker in full PPE
(Personal Protective Equipment), was unveiled on site today (29th
June) together with five other 'high recommended' designs from
pupils Sarah Wilmot, Sally Rollinson, Amarpreet Malhi, Harrison
Johal and Alexander Hall, all of whom received WHSmith vouchers
from William Davis business development manager, Matt Colloby and
Midland Heart senior project manager, Neil Smith.
Matt Colloby said: "Wherever possible, we aim to involve and
engage the local community during construction works to help create
a sense of 'ownership'. By working alongside local schools, we are
ensuring children are educated about the dangers of playing near
building sites and, at the same time, providing a fun, creative
activity which enables them to physically demonstrate what they
have learnt. We were extremely pleased with both the number of
entries received and the high standard, selecting a winner required
some deliberation!"
Neil Smith added: "Community engagement forms an important part
of the work we do during the build stages of any new development
and we have been working closely with young people in the community
to ensure they feel part of this important new scheme for Dudley."
Mark Towney, citizenship coordinator, Holly Hall Mathematics and
Computing College commented: "The pupils really rose to the
challenge of creating a design for the high visibility vest and
enjoyed taking part in the competition. The winners were very
excited about visiting the Broad Meadow site for the presentation
and seeing the winning design printed on a vest. It is a
project that has really captured the children's imagination."
Broad Meadow is one of five developments planned for the borough
by 2015 and forms part of Dudley Council's extra care housing
strategy which highlights the need for high quality, safe
accommodation.
Councillor Lesley Faulkner, cabinet member for adult and
community services at Dudley Council said: "The competition really
has helped stir up local young people's interest in the project and
I hope developed a sense of pride, which will hopefully help build
relationships in the future between the young people in the area
and Broad Meadow residents. Well done to all those involved."
The scheme consists of 132 one and two bedroom apartments for
the over 55's together with shared communal facilities including a
gym, hairdressers and restaurant. It is scheduled for completion in
Summer 2011.