Young people in South Ockendon, Thurrock, have benefited from the installation of new goal posts at their local park, following a collaboration between Mears Group, Thurrock and builders’ merchant, Huws Gray.

Thurrock Council’s Resident Engagement and Anti-social Behaviour teams spoke with residents and young people in the local community to find out what was needed in the neighbourhood. The social value project aimed to provide an alternative place for local young people to gather and play football, in turn reducing complaints about ASB and noise nuisance where balls were being kicked against tenants' properties.

Gary Luscombe, Operations Manager, said:

We were delighted to have been able to support this project through a grant from the Mears Foundation, contributions from our Thurrock branch and a further contribution working in partnership with Huws Gray to benefit young people in South Ockendon. As part of Mears’ social value commitment, we strive to help make a difference to people living in the communities we serve.

Cllr Luke Spillman, Cabinet Member for Housing, Thurrock Council, said:

A big thank you to Mears, who installed the goalposts, and Huws Gray for supporting this scheme and funding the goalposts.

Stephen Bullock, Operations Director – Huws Gray Public Sector Team, added:

We pride ourselves on working with Mears and supporting them where we can on local initiatives and areas which can bring improvements to the borough. This will be our second involvement in the last four months, and we were pleased when Mears communicated to us the plans for Bonnygate Park and how this would help the local area. We made a donation and were available to assist on the day supplying some labour from our teams.