THE GROUNDS of Primrose Hill CofE Primary Academy in Lydney have been transformed following improvement works led by local housebuilder Bellway.

The company, which is building homes at its Forest Walk development in the town, co-ordinated contractors and suppliers to refurbish and enhance the school’s outdoor areas during the February half-term break.

Key work included relaying an uneven pathway by replacing broken slabs and levelling the surface, as well as creating a new path to the school’s adventure playground to improve access.

A new play surface was also installed, materials were supplied to repair the parents’ shelter, and a shed was delivered for use in the Forest School area.

Further work is planned to restore the Forest School space, which has become overgrown in recent months. Brambles and bushes will be cleared and paths re-laid, allowing pupils and staff to make full use of the area once again.

Deputy headteacher Debbie Mabbutt said: “We are so grateful to Bellway. They reached out and offered their help, and we said ‘yes please’ because funds are tight in schools. But what they have done for us is more than we were hoping for.”

“The children’s faces were a picture; they were so excited to go outside. It looks so smart and if the environment is inviting, they want to go and use it. The new path to the adventure playground has made a real difference, especially in wet conditions.”

Bellway brought together volunteers from K W Bell, Miracle Design and Play, and EcoVigour to support the project, all of whom have been involved in the Forest Walk development in Lydney.

Development manager Simon Hughes said being part of the community was important to the company and said he hoped the improvements would make a lasting difference to pupils’ learning, outdoor activities and enjoyment at school for years to come.