BTH Link Roadenvironmentalwork is praised

The scheme was graded as ‘exceptional’ in three categories and ‘excellent’ in the other two which were assessed under the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The report followed an inspection of the project, interviews with the local community and analysis of work with local schools, colleges and charities.

It found the Link Road site was ‘at the forefront of industry best practice, demonstrating the very highest level of achievement’.

The report praised the environmental protection work carried out and drew attention to the work with the local community, where the Link Road team had ‘made exceptional efforts and communicated with 1,000 stakeholders and the large population of the local conurbation’.

Meanwhile, the team’s fund-raising efforts for local charities, work with schools and volunteering for local causes, including the Hastings Pier restoration project, were also highlighted.

Bob Pape, East Sussex County Council’s Link Road project manager, said: “I am delighted by the independent assessor’s comments, which are a tribute to the continuing hard work of the entire team.”

The attention to safety and the training given to staff working on the project were also praised. The road was ‘excellent’ for the appearance of the project and for valuing the workforce.

Karl Taylor, the council’s assistant director of operations, said: “It is very pleasing that an independent group has delivered such high marks after a thorough analysis of all the aspects of our work on the project.”

The news comes as Battle MP Greg Barker paid a visit to the site to catch up on progress of the work.

Mr Barker said: “I was very pleased to see the good progress being made in the construction of this vital new road between Bexhill and Hastings which will improve journey times along the south coast and open up much needed opportunities for homes and business growth.

The team obviously worked very hard through last winter’s challenging wet weather.

“This is not a simple road construction project and I saw first-hand just how much work is being done to protect the environment and public rights of way across the valley.

“As well as the obvious economic benefits to our area, I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the environmentally sensitive recreational opportunities this project will create along the new cycling and walking Greenway.”