Pathway to Exning Primary School gets an upgrade
Pictured, left to right, back, Ian Hamilton, managing director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk; Matt Wilson, senior quantity surveyor for Persimmon Homes; Jon London, James Clark, Exning Primary School headteacher; front, head girl Rosie and head boy Zach. Photo: Persimmon Homes.
A well-used path in Exning, which had fallen into disrepair, has been upgraded thanks to a housebuilder and groundwork contractor teaming up.
Councillor Jon London, who represents Exning on West Suffolk Council, appealed to Persimmon Homes Suffolk for help.
He was keen to see the path between Princes Close and Exning Primary School improved with potholes filled in and the often-muddy walk way to be covered with gravel to make it more accessible year-round.
Persimmon Homes are currently building the second phase of their Charles Church homes at Chancery Park on the edge of the village and were keen to help the community to continue using this walkway.
They worked in partnership with groundwork contractors Tamdown Group to complete the work during the school half term break, reducing disruption for local families.
Councillor London said: “This has been a long-term issue here in Exning. Last year I was successful in getting Suffolk County Council to resurface the section of path between the school and Stepping Stones.
“After a year of negotiation the county council granted permission for the remainder to be resurfaced but they did not have the budget to complete the work. I am incredibly thankful for Persimmon and Tamdown for stepping in.”
Ian Hamilton, managing director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said: “We want to play a key role within the communities in which we are building, and we are always keen to encourage sustainable travel options. By resurfacing the path we were able to show our commitment to the wider community in Exning and encourage even more children to walk to school.”
And Stuart Parrish, senior contracts manager for Tamdown Group, added: “The path was not fit for purpose and we know the children were having to dodge muddy puddles each morning on their way to school. We were delighted to be able to work on this project to give them a safer, cleaner route to school.”