National Highways’ teams have been helping local communities with two new year projects in Devon and Cornwall.

Through its Social Value funding stream, the company is investing in a number of community projects in the South West, and the latest initiatives have seen project teams volunteering close to the M5 and A30.

Following funding for a sensory garden at Nansledan Primary School near Newquay, National Highways and Costain volunteers from the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross road dualling project got to work last week to help create a calm outdoor space for schoolchildren, including those pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

National Highways’ Social Value funding has also helped the school’s environmental effort and the purchase of items from Cornwall-based Waterhaul for their young Eco Warriors to secure plastic-free status for a third year running.

The agency is also undertaking a concrete renewal scheme between junctions 26 and 28 of the M5 in Devon.

The village of Willand (pictured) borders the M5 section and earlier this month, as part of a Social Value initiative, volunteers from the company joined up with Devon County Council colleagues, contractors Tarmac, Aecom and HW Martin.

The team effort helped to clear a 500-metre section of overgrown footpath through the village, making for safer and easier passage for residents.

Jason Hones, South West Regional Director for National Highways, said: “Our Social Value initiative is a fantastic way in which we can complement our schemes and help local communities alongside our road network.

“While our focus is to deliver a high quality, safe road network, we’re passionate about making a positive impact on our local areas and communities, and we’re delighted to be able to benefit a number of communities bordering our road projects.”