Northern Gas Networks’ (NGN) is working with Baildon Imagination Library to support a charitable programme that improves early childhood literacy and nurtures a love for reading.
A recent study by the National Literacy Trust they found that just half of children living in Yorkshire enjoy reading*.
The north of England’s gas distributer is donating £1,000 to Baildon Imagination Library, following a major upgrade to gas mains in the area in the summer, in a bid to help to encourage parents to read with their children and to build their confidence so that they can enjoy books together.
Earlier this year NGN replaced around 300m of ageing gas mains on the Otley Road and Dockfield Road in the Shipley and Baildon area with new modern plastic pipes as part of the company’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England.
The essential work finished at the end of August, ahead of schedule, and the new pipes will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.
Ian Cunningham, construction services area manager from Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’ve been investing heavily in the underground pipe network in the Shipley and Baildon area, which is more than 110 years old. The new infrastructure will ensure that our customers continue to benefit from a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come, but we wanted our legacy to extend beyond the pipes that we put in the ground.
“Baildon’s Imagination Library provides vital support to children living in the Baildon area, aiming to develop a love of reading for life and helping them to achieve. We’re delighted that we’re able to help with our small contribution.”
Councillor Mike Pollard, councillor for Baildon, said: “The work this summer inevitably caused delays and local residents were understandably frustrated, especially after a different stretch of Otley Road was dug up only last year. However, I was very impressed with NGN for engaging with us this year and informing us of progress. I was also delighted that the work was completed ahead of schedule in time for the new school term.”
The Imagination Library programme was launched by Dolly Parton in 1995 and is supported by thousands of organisations in communities worldwide and currently helps over 30,000 children in the UK.
For more information about Baildon Imagination Library visithttps://www.facebook.com/baildonimaginationlibrary
Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
