National housebuilder Lovell Homes’ East Avenue development is wrapping up after six years and the team is bidding a fond farewell to the Openshaw community with the installation of an accessibility ramp outside St Clement’s Church.

The North West team is committed to supporting the local community and has been part of the area since works started in 2015.

The CSR initiative to make access easier for all residents was led by social value manager Paul Woby, donating time and materials to install the ramp as churchgoers and community members begin revisiting the church following lockdown.

Paul said:

“We are delighted to be giving back to the wider Openshaw community with this gesture to the local church. We have worked closely with St Clement's during our time on site and were aware of their accessibility issue, so the introduction of this ramp will be greatly welcomed and help to create an inclusive space for all future visitors."

Members of the Lovell team working on the development were joined by St Clement’s Vicar Paul Jump to officially open the ramp for use. The donation of the ramp marks the end of Lovell’s East Avenue development - a collection of contemporary two-, three- and four-bedroom properties that are located just a short walk from the church and due for completion by the end of June.

Vicar Paul Jump said:

“I want to thank the Lovell team for their kindness in building a ramp for disabled access for our church. The church has wanted to build a ramp for many years to enable more people from the community to access the building to worship God and to participate in all the community activities that happen.

“Sadly, the lack of funds had inhibited this up to now, but we're really thankful to Lovell for their help and partnership. They have created a structure that is in keeping with the church and local area and will benefit many. We have enjoyed working with Jamie, Craig and all of the Lovell team.”

Paul Woby added:

“During the development process, we aim to ensure that the needs of the wider community are understood and met as much as possible by creating long-lasting social value.

"Lockdown has been a difficult time for everyone, with many people feeling isolated and disconnected, even from those living close by. As places of worship are at the heart of communities, we were thrilled to support St Clement with this project, bringing more people together than was previously possible.

“We hope this small gesture will serve the Openshaw community well for many years to come and help us bid a fond farewell to the development.”

For more information about Lovell Homes please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_UK on Twitter.