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Joiner Ross's recycling a hit with the birds

22/06/2010

Tenants from Cestria Community Housing are encouraging wild birds to nest in their gardens thanks to the recycling initiative of a young apprentice.

Joiner Ross Cousins (20) came up with the idea of using the leftover pieces of wood from the fencing he was erecting to make bird boxes for the Chester-le-Street association’s tenants.
 
Ross who lives in Spennymoor has been working for Cestria Community Housing as an apprentice joiner for a year. He said: “It just seemed such a waste to throw out the off cuts. Working on the fencing project has not only provided me with new skills but also allowed me to demonstrate my craftsmanship to the rest of the team!”
 
Natalie Reed, Cestria Community Housing’s resident liaison officer, said: “We have been working in the Sacriston area to erect fencing as part of the external improvements programme, which we promised to tenants during transfer. 
 
“The bird boxes were raffled off to those tenants who had new fences installed and they have proved a real hit. Ross has done a great job by showing his initiative.”
 
Cestria tenants Julie Mickle and her two year old daughter, Casey, were one of those lucky tenants to receive a bird box said: “I think it’s a great idea and shows that Cestria cares for the environment. I’m looking forward to seeing more birds in the garden and Casey has been watching from the window ever since we put it up.”
 
Four tenants living in Lilac Avenue and Viola Crescent in Sacriston were also presented with garden furniture as a thank you from the association after allowing a digger to enter their garden to carry out spine works for the fencing project.

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