COMMUNITIES on the Welsh border are starting to see the favourable effects of a 122-mile gas pipeline project, which cut across countryside close to homes and schools in the area almost two years ago.

Pupils at Llanigon County Primary School, near Hay-on-Wye, are enjoying a new garden complete with bird feeder, raised beds and games area as the National Grid aims to leave a positive legacy behind recently completed construction work stretching from Gloucestershire to Swansea.

Headteacher Amanda Edwards explained how the scheme was an extension of ongoing work to educate students – who went regularly to see work being done near to the school – about the pipeline and its significance.

“The children and staff used drama, role play and debate to consider the choices and decisions made by the community relating to the pipeline,” she said.

Now the garden will be used for workshops and games by pupils as well as local residents, who will get to use it after school, at weekends and during the holidays.

The project is one of a number planned as part of a National Grid Community Involvement Programme formed as an offshoot to the Milford Haven Gas Connections Project, which will provide 20 per cent of the nation’s gas supplies when it reaches full capacity. Senior project manager Brian Smethurst said: “We appreciate our construction works were an inconvenience to the communities along the route, especially with the increased volume and size of traffic using local roads.

“Supporting school projects such as this is our way of saying thank you to the community for their tolerance and understanding.”