A Glasgow housing development is working with local primary schools to raise awareness of the dangers posed by construction sites.

Urban Union, the company appointed to build the Laurieston development in Glasgow, has committed to educating over 2,000 pupils in the area on the importance of site safety measures ahead of the summer holidays.

Mascot, Ivor Goodsite visited a number of schools as part of the annual Child Safety Week, including St Francis Primary School in the Gorbals. Ivor was accompanied on his visit by Ross Hammell, Community Benefits Officer and apprentices from McTaggart Construction.

Together they taught pupils about the different types of plant machinery, the importance of Personal Protective Equipment – clothing items that must be worn on any site – and respecting fencing and signage.

Ivor visited eight schools and four youth groups in Glasgow over the week. Pupils were invited to enter a poster competition to decorate the site hoardings for the next stage of the development following the demolition in May of Norfolk Court, the last remaining tower block in the area.

Susan Hallsworth, managing director of Urban Union said; “Construction work on the next stage of the Laurieston development starts later this year.

“We’re aware with the upcoming summer holidays children will be out playing in the local area and we believe it is important to educate them on the hazards involved on a building site, especially as there is ongoing construction in their area.

“Ivor is extremely popular with pupils and provided a fun insight not only into the dangers of working on site, but also the attractions of working in the construction industry.

“Not only will the pupils be able to learn through Child Safety Week, but we want them to engage in Laurieston in other ways. As we begin the next phase of the development we are giving the children the opportunity to design a picture for Laurieston, one of which will be selected for the hoardings and be visible throughout the construction process.”

Providing a range of attractive property styles and affordable housing options, future phases of the Laurieston development will include further homes for private sale with the potential for retail, hotel accommodation and community facilities.