Schoolchildren and villagers at flood-hit village express gratitude to Jones Bros24th May 2011

Schoolchildren at a tiny village school in Conwy plagued by flooding are looking forward to a brighter future after the completion of a flood protection project by civil engineering firm Jones Bros.

Eglwysbach Primary School, a listed building, is now protected by a new stone wall featuring a special flood gate after the eight week scheme undertaken by the family-run firm.

Delighted head teacher Gwyn Jones said the work would make a huge difference to the school, which has just 65 pupils. “This is brilliant and will help to ensure future investment in our fantastic little school,” he said.

And, in a gesture of goodwill to villagers, workers from Ruthin-based Jones Bros, agreed to lay new stone surfacing on a piece of shrub land in front of the school at no charge, greatly improving its appearance.

Ivan Rawlins, Jones Bros senior contracts manager, explained: “We were appointed by Conwy County Borough Council to carry out a flood alleviation scheme in the village and this has included building a protective wall with a flood gate.

“We were shown photos of previous flooding in the village and they show how the school has really borne the brunt of this. When Eglwysbach Community Council approached us about laying new stone surfacing on a piece of land close to the school, we were happy to help.”
Einir Jones, clerk to Eglwysbach Community Council, said: “We are really pleased with the work that has been carried out by Jones Bros to help safeguard our village, and particularly our school, against flooding.

“In the past so much of the children’s work and school equipment has been destroyed by flooding. We all feel much more reassured now.

“It was an added bonus when, as a gesture of goodwill, the company agreed to lay new stone flooring on land near to the school. It has really tidied the area up and made it look so much nicer.”