Welcome to the February 2025 newsletter from Lydon Contracting Ltd. We're proud of the work we do and want to share our latest news, useful information and staff updates.
Power of the sun
Since our last update in December works at Crimscote Solar Farm near Stratford Upon Avon is progressing well.
All concrete structures for the National Grid and customer substation compounds are complete enabling the 66kV equipment and transformers to be landed.
The concrete trough that links the customer substation building has been completed ready for the brickwork to commence on the substation building.
On the docks
During February we commenced work on a new scheme at Cardiff Docks. The project will see the installation of two 11kV circuits to supply a new Amazon depot. The route includes Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) under two private railway lines that service the docks.
Given the ground conditions we have deployed one of our top cutter machines to expedite the excavation through the carriageway. In addition we have chosen to reinstate the trench with road fill foam concrete. This method of reinstatement removes the need for compaction which in turn eliminates the use of vibrating tools reducing the risk of HAVS.
Although the docks area is a very industrial area, just a couple of minutes’ walk away (and if you are lucky enough to catch the sun out) the view makes up for the tough digging condition!
Watertight working
During February works commenced on a new project at Harwell Campus, Didcot where we are replacing the existing curtain walling panels with a more secure solution.
Works began with the removal and disposal of existing curtain walling at staged intervals in order to maintain existing security and weather proofing.
We have then erected temporary internal timber partitions – aiming to reduce ingress of dust and weather, prior to removing the existing curtain wall. New flemish bond brick infill panels will be installed before the new UKPN specifications doors are installed (including 2no. internal pressure relief vents).
On the bus (again)
Works continue at another of our bus depot projects in London where we are installing all of the civils works required to enable the depot to be able to charge their new fleet of electric business. This month saw the ducting networks and concrete bases installed at the Metroline Cricklewood depot.
To ensure minimal impact to the operation of the busy bus depot, every evening we cover all open excavations with steel plates to enable the buses to be stabled.
With over 30 charger bases to be constructed in this phase of the scheme, our formwork crews have been kept busy constructing the shutters and installing the steel ready for concrete. Before any concrete is placed, pre pour check sheets are completed to ensure all dimensions are correct.
With the first phase of bases now cured, the landing and wiring in of the EV chargers can commence, shortly followed by the Armco barrier installation to protect the new charging equipment from the rather large red buses!
Accredited
We have had a positive start to the year with our NERS 3 Year renewal recently completed and certificated.
NERS accreditation is a scheme that assesses and accredits electrical service providers in the UK and runs on behalf of the UK's Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).
As a NERS Accredited company, a certificate is awarded following regular stringent site and company auditing. The NERS Accreditation Body then detail the scope(s) of works which you may perform under the Scheme. As a company we have gained full Construction (Civil Works / Cable Laying) Accreditation which includes: LV, 11kV, 20kV, 33kV & 66kV.
Investing in quality equipment
This month we took delivery of a new Wacker Neuson Dual View DV90S dumper, carrying up to 9 tons of payload and maximizing safety on the construction site with optimal 360° visibility of the work area this machine will be a great asset supporting our major works projects.
We have also taken delivery of two new vehicles to add to our fleet, a Vauxhall Vivaro, and a Citroen Berlingo. These are going through the finishing touches in our workshop having deadlocks, beacons and towbars fitted ready to take to the roads.
Meet the Team
- Name: Andrew Jenks
- Role: Commercial Manager
- Time in role: 3 months
- Hometown: Shrewsbury, but currently living in Olney
Tell us about yourself, what do you like doing in your spare time?
Originally from Shropshire, I now reside in the market town of Olney with my partner. She is from Co. Donegal in Ireland and whenever we can fly over, we like to visit our favourite spots which include Slieve League overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean.
I love all things cars, bikes, and planes (especially the iconic Spitfire!). In my spare time, I enjoy football, cycling and playing golf. I am always challenging myself in triathlons, with memorable events in Europe, especially in the Alps. Last year, I completed my first marathon in Berlin. I'm always on the lookout for the next big challenge and also have my eye on the Ironman challenge in the coming years!
Thanks for reading!
Cuttle Mill Nursery, Cuttle Mill Lane, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7LZ
info@lydoncontracting.com | 01327 811533 | www.lydoncontracting.com
Company Registration No. 3742284