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July 30th 2007
COAST AND COUNTRY FIXES IT FOR JAMES
Coast & Country and a class of youngsters have joined forces after one of the children sent a letter asking for help in clearing up a park near their school. 

Eight-year-old James Jefferson, a pupil at the Lingdale Primary School in Saltburn, wrote: “I think you should do something about it, immediately.”

James, Billy, their classmates and a team from Coast & Country have now totally transformed the park which had been ruined by vandals. 

The Change Challenge Day was made possible through a donation of £1,500 from our Area Customer Panel and a further £500 from the Company. 

James’ letter continued: “It’s because there is smashed in fences and bins.  Then there is pulled up floor and there is glass on it.  So I want all of it reported, because loads of people like to play in that park like my friend Billy.”

Fences were replaced and painted; a soft mat in the play area was replaced; two new swings were installed, and the rest of the play equipment was repaired and given a fresh lick of paint. New gates, bins and signs were also put up. 

James’ teacher Andrew Woolf said: “The school and I are really proud of James. We have been doing a project looking at the environment and ways to improve it. James felt so strongly about the area in which he lives that he wanted something to be done about it.”

He added: “Coast & Country has done a fantastic job. The park is now somewhere that local children can go and play safely. Being involved in the project, pupils can see how important it is to be part of a community and to take pride in it.”

Kenny Taylor, District Estate Manager said: “James is fantastic.  When we received his letter asking for something to be done about the park we went down and found that the park needed a complete overhaul. It was untidy, damaged and in some places, quite dangerous. The school has worked closely with Coast & Country on this project, who felt that it was important for children to be actively involved within the community.”

The Change Challenge Day took place in the week Coast & Country marked its fifth birthday.  We have spent an average of £500,000 a week on the refurbishment and maintenance of 10,500 homes in Redcar & Cleveland . We are now expanding its operation to meet the Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s demand for three million new homes by 2020 by providing homes for joint ownership, shared equity, outright purchase, as well as rental. 

A thrilled James said: “I am really happy with the park now it has been cleaned up. They have painted it bright colours and put in new things to play on. I am looking forward to playing in it with all of my friends.”

Kenny Taylor added: “All the children should be proud of what they have done.  James showed he really cares about his community by writing his letter.  We are delighted to have fixed it for him.”

James, his friend Billy and the rest of the children are now hoping the weather improves during their summer holidays so they can properly enjoy their new park.

Click here to view a podcast of the day.  

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