Teens transform Rotherham flats

A GROUP of teenagers came together to create a much-needed outdoor communal area at a block of flats.

The five-week community project saw eight teenagers aged 16 to 18 build a meeting area at the council-owned Beeversleigh flats near Clifton Park.

The students, all from training provider firm Full Circle Learning, transformed an area of grass into a seating and barbecue area, as well as creating a paved patio, a raised flowerbed and carried out landscaping work.

The residents’ group approached their housing officer about making use of the unused land at the site, which is home to 48 flats.

Rotherham Borough Council contracted social housing maintenance group Morrison Mears to carry out the work, and oversee the students.

Jim Rollitt, resident at Beeversleigh, said: “I’d like to thank RMBC, Morrison Mears and the Morrison Academy at Full Circle Learning, in particular Darren, John and Diane, for providing us with a very welcome and long wished-for picnic area for residents.

“We’re looking forward to using this through the summer and into future years.”

Diane Keay, Morrison Mears customer care and community manager, said: “It was wonderful to be able to link up with the academy and provide their students with the opportunity be a part of this community project.”