Work on Luton DART construction project suspended over social distancing concerns

Friends of Wigmore Park contacted Luton Council to raise awareness of the breaches
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The owner of London Luton Airport has ordered a second suspension of works on the Luton DART construction project by the main contractor, until all relevant steps have been taken to rectify concerns relating to implementation of the government’s guidelines on Covid-19.

The news comes after concerns were raised by Friends of Wigmore Park, the group contacted Luton Council and the Luton News to raise awareness of the breaches of government laws regarding the COVID-19 emergency.

The group took photos taken on time lapse camera's at two different locations on the airport's DART construction project, to highlight the breaches.

Photo taken by Friends of Wigmore ParkPhoto taken by Friends of Wigmore Park
Photo taken by Friends of Wigmore Park

The DART construction project will link the Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway by a mass passenger transit system.

A spokesperson for the group said: "As you can see there is no social distancing taking place which breaches government rules at this time of national emergency.

"We would argue that this should be classed as a breach of Health and Safety regulations as the construction workers are not only putting themselves in danger but their friends, family and the community as a whole.

"The HSE has stated it will shut sites and issue fines for COVID-19 rule breaches so we will be reporting these breaches to the HSE.

Photo taken  by Friends of Wigmore ParkPhoto taken  by Friends of Wigmore Park
Photo taken by Friends of Wigmore Park

"As Luton Council is the client we call on the council to instruct the construction company to suspend all DART construction activities with immediate effect and that work should not restart until the lockdown is over."

Ciaran Scanlon, Programme Delivery Director for London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL), said: “The health, safety and welfare of the workforce on all our sites is our number one priority.

"Despite measures taken following an initial temporary suspension of works last week, we have received further evidence that leaves us with no alternative but to act again to ensure that this commitment is not compromised.”

Since the UK entered coronavirus ‘lockdown’ on 23 March, work on the Luton DART scheme has been continuing at a significantly reduced pace, mindful of government guidance that works on important construction projects could continue in support of the needs of the country and the economy, provided that this could be done safely.

Photo taken by Friends of Wigmore ParkPhoto taken by Friends of Wigmore Park
Photo taken by Friends of Wigmore Park

Mr Scanlon added: “It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that safe working practices are maintained and monitored at all times.

"We are keen to work with the contractor to allow work to recommence and this could happen in a phased manner once compliance in each part of the site is demonstrated.

"Measures could include controlled use of additional staff dedicated to ensuring social distancing.

“Until then we continue to need to be fully assured that the site and its workers are universally able to adhere to the developing Site Operating Procedures, published in response to the coronavirus epidemic by the Construction Leadership Council and aligned with the latest advice from Public Health England.”

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