Children from three local primary schools have shared what they love about Arnold as part of a new building site hoarding on Rolleston Drive.
The designs for the hoarding were created as part of an art competition, run by ilke Homes and housing provider Jigsaw Homes Midlands, for Year 4 pupils from Arnold View Primary School, Coppice Farm Primary and Robert Mellors Primary Academy.
The hoarding sits at the entrance to the new Birch Fields development which will have 131 new affordable homes, manufactured offsite by modular housing pioneer ilke Homes, on behalf of Jigsaw, which will own and manage the homes.

The children were asked to draw or paint what they loved about living in Arnold, and five winners from each school were chosen for their bright, colourful designs featuring parks, their school, the library, and sports clubs. They each received a book voucher as a prize.
The winners were also invited along to see the unveiling of the hoarding and their drawings in full colour as well as see the progress of the development, which will have a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes.
Pupils had previously been given a presentation from representatives from Jigsaw and ilke Homes explaining the process of manufacturing homes and how they are brought onto site, as well as some of the careers involved and staying safe on site.
A total of 46 homes will be available through shared ownership from Snugg Homes, part of Jigsaw Homes Group. The remaining 85 for affordable rent will be managed by Jigsaw Homes Midlands and allocated to local people.
Donna Quarless-McGee, head teacher at Coppice Farm Primary School said: The children have thoroughly enjoyed creating posters and celebrating their home town. They loved the workshop led by the ilke/Jigsaw team and were fascinated by the building process of the new homes. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for our school to be part of a very exciting new development.”
Lynsey Holley-Matthews, Senior Marketing Manager at ilke Homes said: “A huge well done to all the children for producing such fantastic drawings that really show the joy and pride they have about living in Arnold, and how important their community is to them. We hope that this art project has given them an interest in construction and development and that it inspires them for the future.”
Joanne Bonnington, Assistant Director of Development at Jigsaw Homes Group added: “It’s wonderful to see such creativity from the children and it’s great that they are able to follow the development’s progression from a plot of disused land to new homes to be enjoyed by generations to come.”