27 Jan 2021

Engineers volunteer time to transform outdoor space

Kind-hearted engineers from Electricity North West have helped transform an outdoor space at a Leyland-based charity.

Decaying trees surrounding Age Concern Central Lancashire’s Beech House office were starting to pose safety issues due to branches falling regularly.

Electricity North West were made aware of the issue and wanted to help Age Concern, a recognised partner who provide support to lonely and isolated people across Lancashire as well as being Dementia specialists.

Through the company’s volunteering scheme, which allows colleagues to volunteer up to two days each year at any charity or organisation, skilled arborists were arranged to attend and clear the site.

Over a day, arborists were able to carry out phase one of the project, removing the decaying trees, clearing thousands of fallen leaves and creating room for a new seating area.

Alisdair Hayman-Start, who helped oversee the project at Age Concern Central Lancashire for Electricity North West, said: “As soon as we learnt of the issues Age Concern were having at its Leyland office, we knew we were the people to help out.

“Our skilled arborists carry out works like this daily, usually, next to powerful overhead electricity lines to stop trees causing power cuts. We discussed what work needed taking place and the team thought it was an excellent opportunity to utilise our skills and our volunteering scheme.

“We’re really pleased with the work carried out and I’ve no doubt people will make use of the extra space when able to do so.”

In the spring, Electricity North West will return to site and carry out phase two works which involves painting fences and clearing floors. A donation from Electricity North West’s colleague fundraising scheme is also being made.

Suzanne Carr, Age Concern Central Lancashire CEO, said: “Age Concern Central Lancashire is delighted to benefit from the skilled support of Electricity North West. Our new corporate HQ has protected trees within its grounds and one of the trees required some attention, enter our valued partners!

“Their wonderful arborists took care of business and the problem tree has now been removed and in turn saved the charity valuable resources. In addition, other outdoor areas also underwent a makeover.

“On behalf of everyone at Age Concern Central Lancashire, I extend our sincere gratitude for Electricity North West’s continued support and assistance. They are indeed a purposefully driven business and have many wonderful staff.”

Age Concern also help promote Electricity North West’s Priority Services Register, a free service which offers extra support to customers through their Priority Services Register. For more information and to register visit www.enwl.co.uk/priority.

For more information, please visit www.enwl.co.uk.

Picture from L-R: Jimmy Lynch, Alasdair Hayman-Start, Chris Smith and Dan O'Hare.