Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Trebannws today (22 November, 2007) celebrated a total makeover of its outside playground area thanks to funding from National Grid’s community involvement programme.
Brothers Nathan and Aled Brew, players for the Scarlets and Ospreys rugby teams respectively, unveiled the developments, cheered on by Councillor John Rogers of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, children, staff, parents and governors of Trebannws School.
“We are absolutely delighted with the transformation,” said head teacher Mrs Miriam Powles. “The yard has come alive with colour, and there is a great deal to keep the children interested, such as our new climbing frames, balance beams, rope bridges, ball walls and log planters.
“Our new environment provides more opportunities for the children to develop their skills in all areas of the curriculum. This time last year the yard looked bleak and tired, with no colour and little to maintain the children’s interest. This year it is transformed and the children are very excited.”
The environment has also been enhanced by a Rowan tree, planted by National Grid’s environment manager John Williams. Rowan trees were awarded monthly by National Grid during the construction of the Milford Haven to Aberdulais natural gas pipeline to teams who demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment over and above what was required. John’s team won the award for their innovations in stopping silt run-off from the working area during times of heavy rain.
“I chose to donate the Rowan tree to Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Trebannws as it is in an area where we have been working for a long time,” said John. “The timing was perfect to fit in with the development of the environment at the school, and I hope the children and staff will enjoy it for many years to come.”
National Grid’s project manager Nigel Bennett said: “We appreciate that our works have been an inconvenience to the community here in Trebanos. Our community involvement programme is designed to support projects in areas we have affected in this way, and I am delighted to be here today to join in the celebrations, and see how our support will benefit the children of Trebanos both now and in the future.”
The Milford Haven to Aberdulais pipeline is part of National Grid’s Milford Haven Gas Connection Projects which, when complete, will be able to provide around 20% of the country’s gas supplies.
National Grid operates a freephone project information line - please call 0800 731 0561 should you have any queries.
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For further media information only, please contact Dianne Owen, Project Communications on
07836 668522.