Developer supports MP’s books campaign

A local developer has backed Bridgwater’s Member of Parliament’s campaign to boost reading among children in the constituency.

Persimmon Homes Severn Valley – the builder behind Westminster Walk – has donated £2,000 to Sir Ashely Fox MP’s efforts to put more books in the hands of young people, supported by the team at Sydenham Community Centre. They were joined by community centre trustee and local councillor, Diogo Rodrigues.

The Read2Succeed campaign is a new initiative launched by Ashley Fox to encourage children to read over the summer holidays, in support of Somerset Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge.

This year, every Year 4 pupil at three local schools - Bridgwater College Academy Primary in Sydenham, Churchfield Primary in Highbridge, and Hamp Academy - will receive a free book, along with guidance on how to unlock a summer of adventure through reading.

If successful, the campaign could be expanded next year to reach even more children across additional schools, with the help of further sponsorship.

The accredited five-star developer donates £700,000 each year on good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain as part of its Community Champions programme. Recent local recipients include the Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, Children's Hospice South West, Kingsmoor Primary School, the Nelson Trust, and Kingsdown Knights FC U18s.

Sir Ashley Fox MP – Member of Parliament for Bridgwater – said:

“Reading opens up a world of opportunity, and I want every child in the constituency to have that chance. I’m incredibly grateful to Persimmon for their generous support of the Read2Succeed campaign. Together, we’re putting books into the hands of young people and helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading.”

Cllr Diogo Rodrigues – Sydenham Community Centre Trustee & Councillor for Bridgwater East & Bawdrip – added:

“I’m pleased the Community Centre can play a role in supporting this important campaign by Ashley Fox MP, and it’s thanks to the backing of Persimmon Homes that it’s able to get off the ground. By working together we’re helping children in our communities build a stronger future through reading.”

Carly Spear – Persimmon Homes Severn Valley Sales Director – commented:

“We are delighted to be able to help with Sir Ashely’s campaign to increase reading and improve access to books for young people in Bridgwater.

“Our Community Champions programme is all about supporting great, local initiatives that will help residents in the areas in which we build, both present and future, so donating towards this scheme was an obvious decision for us.”