Construction industry helps Keyham recovery for free
Residents of three households in Keyham are thrilled that work has begun to repair the damage caused to their properties during the bomb incident earlier this year, thanks to thirteen local companies who have volunteered time, materials and equipment.
As part of the ongoing support Plymouth City Council is giving the residents most impacted by the Keyham bomb incident in February, the Council called on the support of the local construction industry to repair the damage left behind by the Army.
Building Plymouth is an award winning, Council-led partnership with the construction industry. With over 60 member organisations, they engage with clients, contractors, consultants and the supply chain and have delivered a number of successful community initiatives to help improve the quality of life in the city.
As a gesture of goodwill, Building Plymouth has arranged for local contractors, consultants and suppliers to work together to help repair some of the damage that was left after the incident. The first phase will involve the repair of the boundary line at the rear of the properties – rebuilding the walls, erecting fencing and installing new back gates in order to make the area fully secure. Once this is done, the repair of the gardens will commence. It is hoped that the overall works will be completed by the summer, with the boundary line works now underway anticipated to be delivered by mid-May.
Natalie Jary, one of the residents receiving free help from the construction industry to reinstate her garden boundary wall this week, said: “A huge thank you to Plymouth City Council and Building Plymouth for coordinating such an amazing response to secure free labour, materials and equipment to help us restore our gardens. After the major incident it has been really challenging for all of us residents particularly for those whose gardens have been badly damaged and left so exposed. We can now look forward to feeling secure and enjoying the privacy of our gardens once again. Thank you to everyone involved, I am so impressed by how quickly and efficiently this free response has been coordinated.”
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, added: “We are aware that the Army did leave a lot of damage in their wake following the incident in Keyham.
“Whilst it is not the Council’s role to pay for repairs to private properties following an emergency, together with Building Plymouth we have done everything we can to support the homeowners as they recover. I am thrilled that so many local construction companies have stepped up to the plate to volunteer their time, efforts and materials to help.
“This is another example of Plymouth coming together and a testament to the public spirited kind and stellar companies we have in our local construction industry. Bravo to all involved.”
Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Keyham has been through so much in recent years. The generosity of businesses across Plymouth to support residents affected by the bomb is the embodiment of the Janner spirit.
“I want to offer my sincere thanks to all those businesses who have stepped up to help residents in Keyham and help restore their gardens and privacy with a new wall.”
The companies who are supporting delivery of the first phase in reinstating the boundary line of the three gardens are:
YGS Landscapes – the landscaping contractor managing delivery of this overall community project
Travis Perkins Plymouth – supplying building and landscaping materials
Foot Anstey – providing legal advice and drafting the memorandum of understanding for residents to agree to the scope of works being offered
Appleyard and Trew – providing construction contract management advice and guidance
Airey and Coles undertaking the structural assessment of remaining stone wall and providing the design and advice of delivering the new boundary line
South West Highways – providing advice on highways and ensuring traffic management and resident communications
Gilpin Demolition – dismantling of the existing boundary wall to make the structure safe ahead of the works
Greenlight Safety – surveying of services and digging of the foundations
Plym Bricklaying and Stonemasonry Contractors – erecting blockwork
Award Group – erecting fencing and installing the new back gates
Jewson – providing the free hire of a micro digger and mixer
Speedy Hire – providing the free hire of a mixer
Red Air Media – filming onsite to track the progress of the community project
We Dump 4U – skip and disposal services
Steve Warren-Brown, Managing Director from YGS Landscapes, said: “As proud members of Building Plymouth, we’ve enjoyed delivering various collaborative community projects over the years. When I heard about this particular plight, we were keen to help in any way we could. As a local landscaping contractor, we knew we should play our part in helping to recover the Keyham gardens and it has been brilliant to see so many construction friends stepping up to help too. Another fantastic team effort coordinated through Emma Hewitt’s inspiring leadership of our Building Plymouth partnership.”
Adam Snell, Branch Manager from Travis Perkins Plymouth, added: “Travis Perkins’ is committed to supporting the communities they are located within, including social, sporting and charitable projects. We are delighted to be a part of the Building Plymouth support network and be able to support the restoration of the damaged gardens for the local residents following the incident.”