Highways teams scouting out ways to help local communities

When Steve Pearson from National Highways saw that access steps and a ramp to the Scout building in Bristol were only protected by some temporary posts and chain, he was confident that his colleagues in the highways industry could help.

Steve, who is the Supplier Relationship Manager for the South West, mentioned the issue in a meeting with some of National Highways’ key contractors – and he wasn’t disappointed.

Two businesses stepped up to install solid, permanent metal railings free of charge for the Scouts.

Caption: the temporary safety railings that were previously in place

Steve, who is a volunteer at 1^st Ram Hill Cubs in Cotswold Edge District, explains:

“Mafeking Hall has recently been redeveloped and the edge of the steps were temporarily protected with some posts and chains whilst permanent rails were being sourced but these light posts were constantly being moved by the users of the hall.

“In National Highways we always start our meetings with a ‘Safety Moment’ and I raised the risks people were creating by moving the posts during a meeting with the South West Supplier Community.

“Afterwards, Ringway approached me and said they could provide permanent railings. Local manager Ade Cox worked with their local safety fencing contractor, CD Fencing from Chippenham, who donated and erected the new railings.

“They have done a fantastic job. At National Highways we like to give something back to local communities, as do our supply chain, and when I saw this I knew someone from our highways community would be willing to help out.”

Caption: The Scout building now complete with safer, metal railings

The team, from both CD Fencing and Ringway, even constructed the railings around a defibrillator so it could be easily accessed.

The building is the HQ for the Scouts’ Cotswold Edge District which covers the towns of Thornbury, Yate and Chipping Sodbury and surrounding villages. The district is made up of 18 Scout Groups, 7 Explorer Scout Units and a Young Leader Explorer Unit.

Dean Ashpole-Chapman, the Scout District Centre Lead Volunteer, said:

“We would like to say a massive thank you to National Highways, Ringway and CD Fencing for their support in installing our new railings at this our District Hall and Campsite. This marks a major safety improvement and a major step forward in completing the building and the re-building project.

“This has been a project of sweat and tears, driven by volunteers, but we are always grateful to the support we get from local/national companies.

“The new building replaced an old dilapidated unsafe building which needed to be replaced as it was unsafe for young people to use. Now after 4 years we have an amazing new facility for future generations to use. On behalf of the 1,400 young people of the Cotswold Edge District & over 400 adult volunteers we thank you.”

Caption: Steve Pearson, left, with Steve Roxborough, Simon Reid, Ade Cox and Andy Roxborough from Ringway and CD Fencing and Construction Services

Simon Reid, VRS Operations Director at CD Fencing and Construction Services, said they were eager to assist after being approached by Ringway. He said:

“We are delighted to have played a role in enhancing safety and accessibility for this fantastic Scout facility.

“At CD Fencing, we are committed to supporting local social value projects, particularly those that align with our expertise and help make a real difference in the community.” 

Notes to Editors

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