School cycle track back in action!

Staff from Veolia Environmental Services are on track to help pupils at Valley Park Primary School in Gleadless improve their cycling skills after teaming up to complete some heavy duty maintenance work. Originally constructed in 2006 by staff from Veolia with help from Henry Boot Construction, the school’s cycle track was showing signs of wear and tear and needed some TLC.

The track was made from the waste earth produced when the new school was built and since then has proved really popular with both the Physical Education Department at the school and local residents.

Six tonnes of fine dust was donated by Henry Boot Construction, which the Veolia volunteers used to cover the damaged areas and then compacted to make a smooth surface suitable for bicycles.

Les Harris, facilities manager for Veolia Environmental Services in Sheffield organised the volunteering day.  Commenting, he says: “The cycle track is used for lessons and by the local community so it is great that we have been able to repair the damaged track and it is now as good as new.  Wherever possible the cycle track has incorporated recycled materials and has saved the school an estimated £30,000 whilst creating an innovative and healthy outdoor space for the pupils.” 

Tom Jones, teacher at Valley Park Primary School, said: “Cycling is something that appeals to many children in the school regardless of age and gender so it’s a fantastic way of encouraging children to be healthier.  It is great to be involved in a project that benefits our local community in so many ways, many thanks to Veolia for all their help.”

For more information on recycling and waste management in Sheffield, please visit: www.veolia.co.uk/sheffield or call: 0114 273 4567.  If you are a Twitter user and wish to follow us then you can find the ‘Recycle4Sheffield’ profile page at: www.twitter.com/recycle4shef