26 October 2011

A major project on behalf of Severn Trent Water, to improve drinking water supplies in Coventry, has received top marks from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

Costain is the principal contractor on the project which involves the demolition of three reservoirs at Scots Lane in Coundon and the construction of a new single reservoir on the same site. The new reservoir will ensure the long-term security of drinking water to around 10,000 residents.

Following a second visit to the site by the Scheme, the team received a score of 4.5 out of a possible 5 in every area measured, putting the site in the top 10 per cent of construction sites in the UK and up for a national award once the scheme is complete.

With hundreds of residents living in close proximity to the site, the team has ensured that the impact of its work on those living and working close by was reduced as much as possible.

Some of the initiatives that were used to reduce the impact of the work on local residents included retaining the walls of the old reservoir to act as a barrier between the construction works and neighbouring gardens, and using an external specialist consultant to carry out noise and vibration monitoring to ensure the team didn’t cause any damage to nearby homes.

Costain was also actively involved with the planning process, carrying out letter drops to more than 1,400 households, organising and hosting a public consultation event, which was attended by around 70 local residents, and meeting with local residents’ associations.

Commenting on the project, Costain Framework Director, Bill Lomas, said: “The whole team has worked extremely hard to ensure that any disruption has been kept to a minimum and this has been achieved by actively engaging with the local community and acting on their concerns.”

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