Developers reduce working hours as isolated residents claim demolition work affecting mental health

With residents in Longbridge confined to their homes due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some claim that demolition work at the former MG factory site is affecting their mental health.

After being approached by B31 Voices, St Modwen have spoken with their contractors, who have agreed to some restrictions on their working hours.

Demolition of some of the remaining buildings at the site began around 6 weeks ago. Residents report works have been carried out from around 7am until sunset six days a week.

Residents approached B31 Voices to report that the noise from the works was difficult to tolerate, due to their isolation at home. We have also received anecdotal reports that some residents have gone out to escape the noise – at a time when we should all be staying at home to restrict the spread of coronavirus infection.

We approached developers St Modwen who employ the contractors carrying out the works. Recognising that the current coronavirus outbreak means that these are unusual times, they have arranged with their contractors to reduce their working hours, keeping weekends and evenings free from noise.

A spokesperson for St Modwen said: “The team has spoken to the contractor who has assured us that they’re working within the environmental guidelines regarding dust, noise and vibration.

“However, they accept that these are unusual times and have been instructed to only operate between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday and to no longer carry out work on a Saturday.”