Prizewinning pupils offer top class safety suggestions

Four primary school pupils from Aberdeen have scooped prizes after coming up with ways to make shopping “safe and fun” – taking their inspiration from the £250m Union Square development being built on their doorstep.

Union Square’s main contractor Miller Construction and developer Hammerson invited P6 pupils, from Walker Road Primary School in Torry, to come up with ideas which incorporated themes of fun and safety.

Ten-year-olds Leanne Robertson, Owen Purdie, Chloe Ross and Wojtek Miecznikowski – were each presented with a Nintendo DS Lite and a game, for coming up with the most innovative suggestions:

Owen suggested a computer room which could be monitored, to provide a fun safe-haven for children.

Leanne’s ideas included a dedicated children’s telephone that could be used in emergencies.

Wojtek’s suggestions addressed a broad range of safety concerns, with fire prevention systems, security cameras and automatic doors.

Chloe devised a plan to create an entertainment room where children could register their parents’ mobile number then wait while they shopped.

The prizes were kindly supplied by Miller Construction’s glove manufacturer Ansell.

Heather Sharkey, Tenant Liaison, Miller Construction, said: “We were hugely impressed with the hard work put in by all of the pupils, who showed real enthusiasm and innovation. This fun exercise also helped to reinforce a serious message by encouraging the pupils to think about safety both at school and in their leisure time.”

Penny Godfrey, marketing manager of Hammerson’s Union Square added: “The children put a huge amount of effort into their ideas and demonstrated a great deal of creativity. This was a fantastic opportunity to interact with young people about safety best practise, as well as how they will be able to use and enjoy the development once it opens in autumn 2009.”

Walker Road Primary’s head teacher, Maureen Robertson, said: “The children were thrilled to be involved in this project. It really helped them to understand the huge amount of work involved and the effort which goes into putting safety first. They had a fabulous time.”

The construction firm, along with Hammerson, has engaged the pupils in a range of health and safety initiatives throughout the year. These have included a range of classroom-based activities, an opportunity to visit the construction site, and a chance to view models of the exciting new retail hub.