An unemployed father has been given new hope after landing a job working on a \u00a31.1 million environmental project on the housing estate where he lives.<\/p>\n
Steve McLeod, 45, is delighted he’s been given the opportunity to help transform the Parc Peulwys estate in Llysfaen, above Old Colwyn.<\/p>\n
The massive scheme has been commissioned by Steve’s landlord, housing association Cartrefi Conwy.<\/p>\n
A dramatic new entrance to the estate will be created\u00a0 along with landscape improvements, traffic management, a nature trail and play areas.<\/p>\n
Steve was taken on after he enrolled on a horticulture course and put in hours of unpaid voluntary work.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s thrilled to have been given a full-time job with sub-contractors Brenig Construction after impressing Cartrefi Conwy managers and bosses of contractors G Purchase Construction Ltd with his dedication and willingness to learn.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI moved here to the Peulwys estate with my wife, Morwenna, and daughter Katlin, six, from Liverpool about four years ago. Morwenna is Welsh while I\u2019m from Bootle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d been unemployed for quite a while and had applied for hundreds, or even thousands, of jobs. I sent so many CV\u2019s out it was ridiculous.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, I enrolled on the horticulture course that was being run by Cartrefi Conwy and really enjoyed it. I loved the work and really wanted to find a full-time job doing landscaping and other ground works.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter we started work on the nature trail I was offered a full-time job with Brenig Construction and I couldn\u2019t be happier. I understand it\u2019s because of all the work I\u2019d been involved with working as a volunteer around the estate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole Peulwys estate looks so much better now. Everything that is being done is making a huge difference and I\u2019m really pleased to be playing a part.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe nature trail is really, really good. We have cleared the vegetation and learnt new skills like dry stone walling as part of the wall had collapsed. We are now putting up bird boxes and hedgehog hotels to help wildlife.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s given me a huge boost getting a full-time job especially doing something I really enjoy. It\u2019s amazing that it all happened because I went on a Cartrefi Conwy horticulture course. That was the start of it really.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also enjoy the fact I\u2019m currently working on the estate where I live making things better for everyone. All the tenants I know are really thrilled with the improvements and you can hardly recognise the Peulwys estate now compared to what it was like a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve Walker, a Project Manager with main contractors G Purchase Construction Ltd, says Steve McLeod fully deserved to land his new full-time job.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe were delighted to recommend Steve to our sub-contractors, Brenig Construction. He really did present himself as an ideal candidate.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is certainly very willing and trained himself to a large extent, learning lots of new skills that will help him in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe \u00a31.1m environmental programme we are currently working on, as well as the landscaping work, will see a new traffic management system, enhanced play areas and the building of a brand new estate entrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel we can benefit the community in other ways too and helping Steve secure a full-time job was just one of them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m delighted he got his job, he deserves it. It\u2019s now up to him to show his worth and stay in full-time employment in the long-term.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cartrefi Conwy Senior Tenant Engagement Officer, Owen Veldhuizen, is delighted Steve McLeod secured a full-time role after he attended the horticulture course.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt\u2019s fantastic news and Steve has certainly put a lot of work into the nature trail which is looking absolutely fantastic. It has made such a difference and we are all delighted with the work that has been done.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are planning on putting up interpretation boards along with the bird boxes and hedgehog hotels so tenants can learn something about the local wildlife.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also working with local schools to further involve the Parc Peulwys community in the work we are doing with the nature trail.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cartrefi Conwy Environmental Development Officer Matt Stowe says the nature trail will make a big difference to the lives of Parc Peulwys tenants.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt was completely overgrown and you couldn\u2019t see the pathway at all. The huge amount of work people, like Steve Mcleod, have put in means\u00a0we now have a proper path adjacent to open fields.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a big improvement for tenants and a big help to local wildlife which is important too.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI am absolutely thrilled that Steve landed a full-time job with Brenig Construction. The fact he attended a horticulture course and was willing to put in a lot of voluntary hours showed his commitment and determination.”<\/p>\n