CHILDREN at Alton Infant School have been getting clued up on why building sites are not playgrounds during a fun-filled lesson from Miller Homes Southern.

Miller Homes has begun work on the former Coors Brewery site on Anstey Road, where it is preparing to build its Anstey Gardens development comprising a mix of 85 two, three and four-bedroom properties.

As part of the company’s work in the community, Miller Homes health and safety adviser, Alec Arnold, is seeking to educate youngsters about the dangers of trespassing onto a construction site.

Alton Infant School pupils tried on fluorescent jackets and hard hats as Mr Arnold told them what safety signs they might see on-site and what dangers they could face.

They were also warned never to enter a building site unless they are on an approved visit.

“Of course, we understand that a building site might look tempting to some curious youngsters but nothing could be further from the truth,” explained Mr Arnold.

“Our construction workers undertake years of rigorous training and have all the correct safety equipment. If a child enters a site without permission, they do not have this and could be putting themselves and others at serious risk.

“At Miller Homes, safety is our absolute priority and we are committed to ensuring the message gets out there in a fun but memorable way.”

Headteacher Jayne Broach said that the pupils had enjoyed learning about safety and had taken some valuable lessons away with them.

“Health and safety is a key part of our teaching so we’d like to thank Alec for coming in and explaining in more detail why building sites should be avoided at all costs. The children clearly loved the interactive element and came up with lots of interesting questions for Alec,” she said.

As well as Anstey Gardens, Miller Homes is working on its Austen Fields development in nearby Medstead.