West Monmouth School has received a helping hand from Wales & West Utilities and pupils are benefitting from revived sports gear and improved outdoor learning facilities.
The funding from the gas emergency and pipeline service enabled the school to purchase much needed new sports kit, to be used when playing competitive school fixtures, with the remainder being invested in a new path for the school’s outdoor learning space.
The support comes as Wales & West Utilities works to invest £3.3 million over the next 12 months to upgrade gas pipes across Pontypool. The intensive programme of wider mains replacement works will see over 10 kilometres of gas pipes upgraded across the area which will benefit local customers. The support to the school is part of the company’s commitment to creating a positive social impact in the communities where it works.
Jack Carpenter, Wales & West Utilities First Line Manager for the gas mains replacement scheme, worked closely with the school and said:
“We know that our essential work can lead to disruption locally so when we started speaking to the school and heard about their aspirations, we were only happy to support.
“It’s been great to see the overall improvements to the outdoor space, and we know the school has further plans to continue developing this area, whilst we hope the new kit brings the school luck in their fixtures.”
Stuart Ball, Deputy Headteacher at West Monmouth School, said:
“We are thrilled to have the support from Wales & West Utilities and the team worked hard to complete the work during the school holidays to minimise disruption, whilst our sports teams are also pleased with the kind donation.
”The path needed for our outdoor space will have a positive impact of our pupils wellbeing and learning.
“It’s great that, whilst the work has been somewhat disruptive, Wales & West Utilities have gone the extra mile to link with us to provide a lasting legacy to our pupils.”
Alongside the gas network improvements, Wales & West Utilities is also further supporting the school to create a wider social impact in the local community. It is hoped that Wales & West Utilities will attend the school’s careers fair later this year, enabling pupils to speak to colleagues about the varied careers available in the industry.
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.
If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24/7 to respond and keep you safe.