Bourne business helps provide a safe space for youngsters

Staff at a Bourne-based business have got their hands dirty to help provide a safe space for youngsters.

When the Salvation Army in Manning Road asked for assistance to transform its outdoor area, employees at JJ Mac jumped at the chance to help.

Civil engineering and groundworks firm JJ Mac has cleared the overgrown outside area and put in place new paving.

Philip Round, JJ Mac’s construction manager, was eager to be
involved in the project.

He said: “It was overgrown and we were asked if we would come to dig it out and construct block paving.

“JJ Mac’s managing director, John Furlong, is always supporting the local community – this isn’t the first time we have got involved.”

The outdoor area is the first step in new plans for the Salvation Army to help support children in Bourne.

Now the charity is looking to host an after-school club with the newly cleared area allowing children to play games and eat outside.

Lt Sarah O’Grady, a Salvation Army minister, said: “We were thinking about how we could use the space as we had got to try and make it usable – it was actually quite dangerous.

“We want to get children out and give them a space to run around.

“The area looked small but once we had taken all the stuff away it was a big space.”

She added: “There are a lot of charities that have supported us, but JJ Mac is a company that’s really helped us through.”

The Salvation Army hopes for the new surface to be marked out with sports courts which children could use.

There is also an indoor area for cold weather, which has a range of games, a football table and comfy chairs.

“We are really excited. We have been putting a lot of effort into raising funds and getting activities for children to do,” said Sarah.

“We had a kids club some time ago, before I was minister, but over time, for whatever reason, it fizzled out.

“We had a real feeling that at the moment, with covid, people are searching for a community.

“Families are searching for things children can do. Children want to socialise other than in school.

“It’s really important to provide that for the community.”

The club will be open for children aged six to 12 on a Thursday night.

If you would like to register please contact The Salvation Army in Bourne by calling 01778 393459.