People and communities
Dilapidated polytunnel brought back into community use
Published on
A disused communal polytunnel has been transformed into an accessible and vibrant community space thanks to a collaborative effort.
The facility, located at Grenfell Allotments, had gone unused for 10 years prior to work. To deliver the work at no cost, a collaborative approach was pulled together through Walsall Council’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme (CSR).
Barhale and sister company BCS Group provided labour, tools, PPE and signage for the project. Travis Perkins provided all the materials free of charge while Flannery Plant Hire provided a heavy plant dumper and mini digger, including transport to and from site. For groundworks, Speedy Hire provided strimmers.
For the work to be carried out, vegatation had to be removed, along with the dilapidated front and rear entrances. Extensive groundwork was then carried out to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, including an access path to the front entrance.
“ I want to say a huge thank you to Barhale and partners for getting involved with this project.
“The work including improvements to the wheelchair accessibly of the site is such an important part of the project, something everyone involved should be proud of.
“The polytunnel will now serve as another brilliant communal space in our borough.
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Following this essential groundwork, a specialist company will re-cover the polytunnel, funded through the towns fund.
“ Partnerships make these projects easier to undertake, credit to BCS Group and our supply chain partners, Travis Perkins, Flannery, and Speedy, who generously provided materials and equipment, ensuring the work was completed to a high standard and within the limited timeframe.
“A special thank you to each member of the team for their hard work and efforts in making this community project a reality. This goes to show how our people really embody the Barhale values, and we are proud to have such dedicated partners who share these values.
“Everyone’s willingness to come together has transformed a once unusable space into an accessible area for local growers.
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This project follows dredging work carried out in December 2024 to alleviate flooding issues at the site.
Any business interested in getting involved in Walsall Council’s corporate social responsibility programme should get in touch with the council. Email healthyspaces@walsall.gov.uk for more information.
To find out about allotment and community garden sites in Walsall, visit: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces/allotments-and-community-gardens
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Notes to Editors
Supporting projects at Walsall's parks and green spaces brings many benefits to those who take part. These include:
Community impact: By participating in activities like litter picking, tree planting, and park maintenance, you directly contribute to making Walsall a cleaner, greener, and more pleasant place to live.
Environmental benefits: Improving green spaces supports biodiversity and creates a more sustainable environment for future generations.
Employee well-being: Volunteering in outdoor activities can enhance mental and physical health, providing a sense of accomplishment and reducing stress. Volunteers get out into the fresh air, build relationships with colleagues in a totally different environment and give back to the community.
Team building: Corporate social responsibility activities can strengthen team bonds and improve morale, leading to better productivity and job satisfaction.
Corporate image: Companies that engage in corporate social responsibility are often viewed more favourably by the public, which can enhance their reputation.
Skills development: Employees can develop new skills and gain valuable experiences that can be beneficial in their professional roles.
