Acis teams up with local children for Big Tidy Up

Published by Tim Steele for Acis Group Ltd in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment

Over 20 school children from a Gainsborough school gave the outside of a nearby sheltered housing complex a makeover.

As part of their year-long Police Community Safety Officer (PCSO) challenge, the year six children at primary schools in the Gainsborough Uphills area teamed up with their neighbouring police team.

All were asked to take part in a Big Tidy Up and pupils at the Charles Baines Community Primary School responded. They decided they would volunteer to help out at the Newlands Court scheme, which is owned and managed by housing association Acis Group, and try to make a difference to the car park and courtyard areas.

The whole year six class brought their brushes, gardening tools and bin bags and set about the tasks. They were involved in wedding, cleaning garden furniture, pruning, sweeping leaves and collecting litter. 

And their efforts were praised by PCSO Penny Smith who said:

‘This was a fantastic choice by the children to make a difference to an area just around the corner from their school. It isn’t always possible for the residents themselves. You could tell that their work was really appreciated by the staff and residents at Newlands. And it was wonderful to see representatives from two local facilities working together to improve the community.’

Newlands Court Scheme Manager Adele Botwood added:

‘Newlands is a safe place for the children to come and do some work. It has made a big difference to the appearance of the courtyard and car park. Hopefully this is something we will be able to repeat in the future.’