Local Scout Hut Transformed in One-Day Volunteer Effort

A team of volunteers from the M4 Badminton Road bridge project made a significant impact on the local community by completely renovating a Scout hut in a single day. Staff from National Highways and principal contractors Taylor Woodrow, alongside partners from WSP, Freyssinet, and Carney Construction, dedicated their time on September 25 to enhance the facilities at the Cotswold Edge Scout District base in Coalpit Heath, South Gloucestershire.

This initiative stemmed from a request by the Scout group for recycled materials from the nearby construction site. When project leaders visited to explore potential community benefits, they identified several necessary upgrades for the well-utilized Scout hut.

The group’s efforts on that day resulted in numerous improvements, including painting, landscaping, and structural repairs. Equipment and machinery were donated by GAP to facilitate the extensive renovations.

Dean Ashpole-Chapman, District Centre Lead Volunteer, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “We’re so grateful to the whole team. The fantastic volume of work achieved in just one day would have easily taken us over two years to complete.”

This project is part of a broader commitment by National Highways to support local organizations, as seen earlier this year when they installed an access ramp and railings at the site to improve safety.

Steve Pearson, Supplier Relationship Manager for the South West at National Highways, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “Our Social Value ethos is a fantastic way in which we can complement our schemes and help local communities alongside our road network.” He emphasized the organization’s dedication to making a positive impact while ensuring a safe and high-quality road network.

The collaborative effort demonstrated the team’s diverse expertise, according to Owen Martin, Social Value Lead at Taylor Woodrow. “It was a truly collaborative effort. We had a mix of expertise and buy-in, and it was so rewarding to see the impact of the volunteering event, which has delivered a more accessible, enhanced, and clean facility.”

The M4 bridge, which was demolished in late 2022 due to structural concerns, is currently undergoing a complete replacement. New bridge beams are set to be installed during a weekend closure from October 24 to October 27, with the completed 46.5-metre-long structure expected to open to the public in early 2026.

This day of service not only revitalized the Scout hut but also reinforced the commitment of local construction teams to community engagement and support.