National Highways project helping communities in Cornwall
The company, responsible for England's motorways and major A roads, is investing in several community initiatives through its Social Value funding stream. The latest projects have seen teams volunteering near the M5 and A30. One such initiative involved funding a sensory garden at Nansledan Primary School near Newquay.
National Highways and Costain volunteers from the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross road dualling project helped create a calm outdoor space for schoolchildren, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school's environmental efforts were also boosted by the Social Value funding, which allowed the purchase of items from Cornwall-based Waterhaul. This will help the school's young Eco Warriors achieve plastic-free status for the third year running.
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." The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme's Social Value funding has also provided Cornwall Blood Bikes with a new motorbike, Cornwall Air Ambulance with a new fly suit, and enabled East Wheal Rose Football Club and the Cornwall Saracens Basketball Club to purchase new equipment.
St Allen Parish Council has also benefited from the funding, using it to install a new path and replace old and broken play area equipment at Zelah. 
The village of Willand, which borders this section of the M5, saw a 500-metre section of overgrown footpath cleared by volunteers from the company, Devon County Council, and contractors Tarmac, Aecom, and HW Martin. This has made for safer and easier passage for residents. 
National Highways launched its first Social Value Plan in October 2022, to support the wellbeing of communities living near its roads.
National Highways is a government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England's motorways and major A roads.
For more details on National Highways' projects in the South West, visit their website.