Lovell teaches Midlothian students construction safety

A Safe Learning Experience for Lawfield Primary School Pupils at Oakwood Edge

Lovell recently hosted an enriching visit for schoolchildren from Lawfield Primary School at Oakwood Edge in Mayfield. The purpose behind this engaging excursion was to impart crucial knowledge about the significance of safety on construction sites, especially with the school holidays fast approaching.

Oakwood Edge stands as a mixed-tenure development, boasting 156 new energy-efficient homes for the local community. Among these, 39 homes are designated for social rent through Melville Housing Association, while Lovell will be selling the remaining 117 properties. The neighbourhood is witnessing a growing influx of families migrating into the 2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses.

The young visitors were warmly received with a safety briefing before embarking on interactive activities. Their involvement included assisting in laying paving stones along the newly paved streets, witnessing the operational prowess of heavy construction machinery, and exploring a fully finished home.

To ensure their safety, each pupil was kitted out with a miniature hard hat and high-visibility vest, accentuating the critical importance of health and safety precautions within construction zones. Moreover, the tour provided the pupils with a peek into the daily life of the burgeoning community and introduced them to potential career paths within the construction industry.

Lovell’s contracts manager, Andy Hamilton, expressed, “Our commitment extends beyond constructing high-quality homes; we aim to integrate within each community we serve. It was truly gratifying to guide the children from Lawfield Primary School around our development, enlightening them on the potential hazards of construction sites, particularly during the holiday season when curiosity might lead them astray.”

Development manager at Melville Housing Association, Neil Edgar, echoed this sentiment by stating, “In collaboration with Lovell, Melville Housing Association vehemently advocates for safer neighbourhoods, and witnessing Lawfield Primary School pupils depart with a heightened sense of construction site safety was immensely rewarding.”

“The addition of 39 affordable, top-notch homes at Oakwood Edge has significantly elevated the local area, made possible through crucial funding from the Scottish Government and unwavering support from our partners. To sustain this positive momentum in tackling the housing crisis, ongoing partnerships will undeniably be pivotal in the foreseeable future,” Edgar further underlined.

Gavin Menzies, the play therapist at Lawfield Primary School, shared his thoughts, remarking, “The excursion to Lovell’s housing development at Oakwood Edge seamlessly blended education with enjoyment for the children. The brilliant weather served as a cherry on top, intensifying the hands-on experiences which have equipped the children with a deeper understanding of construction site hazards and the paramount importance of safety.”