United Utilities team up with Norley Primary School to upgrade outdoor space

Volunteers from United Utilities have recently visited Norley Primary School near Delamere to reinvigorate the school grounds.

The team laid 20 tonnes of gravel to restore a pathway around the school playing fields, while eight tonnes of bark have been used to improve two play areas and create a safer, all-weather solution for the children.

18 volunteers were joined by partners from OCU and Brown Rural following the team’s recent work to upgrade water pipes in the area as part of the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme.

The new track will support children’s health and wellbeing by encouraging them to be active outdoors in all seasons. It provides opportunities for exercise, outdoor learning and quiet reflection during the school day.

Rob Allen, Project Engagement Lead for the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme said: “It was great to see so many volunteers down at Norley Primary School to help transform the high-footfall areas into useable, safe spaces. Thank you to the students and Headteacher for their hospitality, and we hope they enjoy their new space.”

Helen Kelly, Headteacher at Norley Primary School also shared her gratitude with the team: “The improvements will have a lasting impact on daily school life. The children are now able to run, walk and play more safely, while staff and parents are relieved that muddy clothes and slippery surfaces will no longer be a regular problem after every playtime.

“We are incredibly grateful that the community came together to support our school in such a meaningful way. The generosity, teamwork and care shown by the volunteers have made 100 children very happy. Their hard work has created a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable environment for our children, and the positive impact of their kindness will be felt for many years to come.”

The Vyrnwy aqueduct transports drinking water from Lake Vyrnwy in Wales to a million customers across Cheshire and Merseyside. A £260m investment to upgrade 110km of drinking water pipes through the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme (VAMP) started in 2023 and is due to be complete in 2028. More information can be found online on United Utilities’ website where there is a virtual exhibition.

It comes as United Utilities is making great progress on the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century.  The company is spending more than £13bn to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.