A Stockport primary school is the proud owner of two recycled benches and a newly painted play pod.
Housebuilder Redrow has donated the benches, made entirely from paint cans, to Ladybrook Primary School, Bramhall.
Redrow has increased the number of paint cans it recycles in recent years, utilising Crown Paints’ can recycling scheme, which sees empty paint cans transformed into new materials and products, including planters, benches and picnic tables.
“Our suppliers Crown Paints provide all paint for our new homes across the country,” said Neil Howard, commercial director at Redrow NW.
“Each quarter Crown gives Redrow the opportunity to donate an item made from recycled paint cans to the local community. In this instance, because the North West division had the highest rate of paint cans sent for recycling within the Redrow group, we were given the opportunity to donate an item.
“We approached Ladybrook Primary School, located near to our Woodford Garden Village development, and asked if they would like a recycled item and they requested two benches.”
The benches were installed free of charge by Mike Casey from local groundwork firm - MKC Groundwork Ltd.
“Whilst visiting the school the head teacher enquired about what paint would be best for their outdoor wooden play pod,” said Neil. “So, we offered to paint this too!
“Crown agreed to supply the paint and Bob Smalley from Smalley Painters and Decorators volunteered his time to paint it.”
The Crown Can Back scheme recycles tonnes of plastic and metal paint cans each year, which is a key part of Crown Paints sustainability targets. So far this year the scheme has returned 139,442 empty paint cans and overall has saved an estimated 8,000 tonnes of paint cans from going to land fill.
Olivia Ward, sustainability manager at Redrow, said: “It is written into Redrow’s trade specifications that all paint cans must be taken away from sites to be recycled.
“Not only does this save space in skips and reducing waste disposal costs, it also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and the risk of polluting our green spaces.
“In the financial year ending June 30, 2021, 26,150 paint cans were recycled by Redrow. We have a company target to divert 95%+ of construction waste from landfill, and by utilising recycling schemes such as this, we have achieved this target for the past five years.”
Debbie Presswood, head teacher at Ladybrook Primary School, said: “We would really like to thank both Redrow and Crown for organising this community project which has enhanced the provision at Ladybrook for the children.
“The lovely new benches are perfectly positioned adjacent to the multi-use games area and playground so that children can sit and chat or watch games being played.
“We have been impressed by the professional approach by both Redrow and Crown, the excellent communication with the school and quality of work completed.”
Laura Crossey contractor sales manager for Crown Paints, said: “At Crown we know what a positive difference we can make to people, our communities and our planet. This why we are delighted to be supporting community projects across the UK with paint donations that bring communities together with colour.
“We are proud to be working with our trusted partner Redrow to make this possible at Lady Brook Primary School, painting smiles on faces!”
For more information on the Crown Can Back scheme see: www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/sustainability/
For information on Redrow’s nearby development at Woodford Garden Village visit www.redrow.co.uk/woodford or for information on Redrow’s sustainability agenda visit www.redrowplc.co.uk/sustainability.
