Flooded school up for cash boost

Central Street Infant and Nursery School, Hebden Bridge, could win a grant of £12,000, £10,000 or £8,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

The supermarket giant teamed up with regeneration charity Groundwork for the scheme, which sees grants raised from the 5p carrier bag levy.

The school suffered extensive damage in the devastating Boxing Day floods last year.

The ground floor classrooms and offices were devastated and the children lost all their outdoor equipment and resources.

The foundation unit reopened in the summer term and the school’s playgroup relaunches today.

If successful, the grant will help the school to rebuild and enhance the outdoor spaces and gardens.

A new wall will be built, along with a mud kitchen, a water wall, outdoor musical instruments, ropes and pulleys, a digging pit, a storytelling circle as well as gardening and wildlife areas.

It’s hoped the additions will create an exciting and inspiring environment for children to explore, learn and play in.

Executive head teacher Jenny Melling said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

“The Boxing Day floods have had a significant impact on the outdoor provision in our school.

“Our families have been tremendously supportive and patient throughout our rebuilding work, and we are delighted to have secured the funding to bring this area of our school back to life.

“We hope that the community will show their support for the project by voting for us in store.”

Voting has already opened at the Tesco store in Sowerby Street, Sowerby Bridge.

Customers can cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop. Voting closes on November 13.

Lindsey Crompton, head of community at Tesco, said: “The first round of the Bags of Help initiative was a fantastic success.

“We are already seeing some great results from groups transforming their own environmental and greenspace areas. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them come to life.”