Minimising the Demolition Impact on the Local Community
Many of our demolition projects are in Inner City environments with businesses and the public in proximity. With all demolition projects, the immediate concerns of all stakeholders are always noise, dust, traffic movements and site security.
Noise and dust is controlled and monitored at all times using specialist equipment. Traffic movements are planned to avoid disruption throughout the project duration.
The way we ensure that stakeholders are aware of these methods to reduce our impact to them is as follows:
Our approach
We appoint a ‘Liaison Officer’ to make contact with the local community.
Their role is to research the local area and assess the best ways to make contact. Generally we prepare an introduction letter which explain the works and the methods we will employ to reduce the impact to them.
Stakeholder Meetings
M&M always provide the stakeholders with opportunities to meet with us. Usually we hire a local community hall and arrange a meeting where people can express their concerns.
We always listen and often incorporate their suggestions into our Health and Safety arrangements.
Distribution
The initial letter is distributed by hand to those immediately affected by the works.
Additionally, we will visit schools and speak to headteachers. Often our sites are often located on routes to schools, it is always good practice to make the children’s parents aware of the works through the schools.
Added Value – School Initiatives
M&M also has various initiatives with the schools that we can offer to educate the pupils about site safety and the demolition industry. These include:
- Health and Safety talks
- Painting and Drawing Competitions
- The ‘Demolition Challenge Game’ where children learn about recycling in the demolition industry.
- Distribution of branded high vis vests
We also offer these initiatives to principal contractors when we are working as a subcontractor to support their social value offering.
Site Security
Establishing a good relationship with stakeholders before a project starts is so important. They will often become an extra set of eyes and ears in terms of looking after the security of a site.
All sites are fenced by 2.4m high wooden hoarding , dust and noise are monitored and controlled. Traffic management is very important with all movements timed to avoid disruption to the local area.
Employing local people
Where possible will offer opportunities for local people to work for us on-site and utilise local suppliers and services.
