A Ripon construction company has come to the rescue of a local charity by repairing its faulty plumbing free of charge after years of recurring problems.

Leehill Construction, a three-generation family-run business, carried out the work for Jennyruth Workshops after the charity was left dealing with repeated toilet blockages caused by incorrectly installed pipework.

Jennyruth Workshops supports adults with learning disabilities, many of whom also have physical disabilities, through creative workshop activities where they design, make, paint and package handmade products from wood, paper and fabric.

The charity's products are sold online and at local events, helping to raise vital funds for its work.

Leehill Construction, a family-run construction company in Ripon, has come to the rescue of Jennyruth Workshops by repairing its faulty plumbing free of charge after years of recurring problems

placeholder image — Leehill Construction, a family-run construction company in Ripon, has come to the rescue of Jennyruth Workshops by repairing its faulty plumbing free of charge after years of recurring problems

Each day, up to 20 adults who have learning disabilities attend the workshops, alongside 15 members of staff and eight volunteers, making reliable toilet facilities essential.

However, toilets installed around five years ago had been regularly blocking, with some facilities – including the fully accessible disabled toilet – frequently out of action for days at a time.

After investigating the issue, it was discovered that unsuitable pipes had been installed at incorrect angles, causing ongoing problems with the drainage system.

Deb Sleep, Chair of Trustees at Jennyruth Workshops, contacted Leehill Construction for advice.

Director Anthony Allinson visited the charity to assess the situation before offering to carry out the repair work free of charge.

Over a two-week period, Anthony and a team of three excavated and replaced the faulty pipework, redesigning the system to improve the flow into the site's septic tank.

Since the work was completed, the charity says it has not experienced a single blockage.

Deb Sleep said: "We are incredibly grateful to Anthony and the whole Leehill Construction team for their generosity, professionalism and practical support.

"Their help has made an immediate and lasting difference to everyone who uses our workshop."

Anthony Allinson added: "When we saw the scale of the problem and the impact it was having on everyone at Jennyruth Workshops, we wanted to help.

"It is a fantastic local charity, and we were pleased to be able to provide a practical solution that should make day-to-day life easier for the people who use the workshop."

The charity hopes the support shown by the Ripon firm will encourage other local businesses to work with community organisations and demonstrate the positive impact practical assistance can have.

For more information about Jennyruth Workshops, visit http://jennyruth.co.uk/