Play area restored at Wallasey school
Following the vandalism which was reported in the summer holidays, Riverside Primary School is celebrating the restoration of their play area.
Benches and fences were smashed in an area that had been created by the staff and pupils as a “little haven” to be enjoyed by everyone.
When Magenta Living colleagues saw the story of the vandalism, they contacted the Council Leader, Cllr Paul Stuart, offering help to restore the playground. Cllr Stuart then put them in touch with the school.
Property Care technicians from Magenta met Paul Parsons, school governor, and Andy Egan, the site manager, and cleared the playground of all damaged items. The waste was taken away and Haydn Hansford, Magenta Living’s Property Care Director, arranged for a team of joiners to repair the fences and a painter to paint the access point used by the vandals with anti-vandal paint.
Ian Thomson, Magenta’s Executive Director of Assets and Development said:
“I’m delighted to be here to see the restored playground which looks amazing! Haydn, Rod and his team worked really quickly to get the play area restored. They also built a secure a timber lean-to store to replace the plastic sheds and the new timber benches look great.
“We were only too happy to step in and help out the school at what must have been a really distressing time – supporting our customers and our communities is extremely important to us. We'll be providing more benches and doing more work on the playground soon.”
Christina Lahive, headteacher of the school, said:
‘’We were all heartbroken to see that the children’s playground had been destroyed. This special place was a beautiful little haven that they had created with our site manager. We are so grateful to Magenta for their speedy response to our unfortunate situation. Thanks to their kindness, time and expertise the children of Riverside are returning to a playground they deserve. Headteacher awards are coming your way Magenta!’’
Caption: Andy Egan and Paul Parsons cutting the ribbon for the restored play area watched on by Christine Lahive, parents and pupils
Group photo caption: Magenta Living representatives, Rob Greenslade and Rod Wood (hi-vis vests) and Ian Thomson (seated second from left) with staff, pupils, parents and PCSO Claire Sopp celebrate the opening of the newly restored area of the playground.