Shropshire Council sent this bulletin at 18-11-2020 10:46 AM GMT
Covid-19 update
We have all undoubtedly been affected in one way or another by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst we all try and maintain a sense of stability to our lives it is obvious and fair to say that our way of working is significantly different to that of just over 6 months ago.
Who would have thought that when I returned from a lovely day out at Aberdyfi with my mother on Mothering Sunday, I would not be returning to the PSG office at the Shirehall to work in the same way again.
Initially, whilst some of us welcomed the new ways of working, creating a better work life balance, we quickly had to adapt our processes to continue to deliver a high quality service during a time of such change and adversity. I am proud to say that the whole team have managed to maintain this to deliver a large number of projects and supporting all of our clients and customers with the usual high volume of repairs and maintenance plus still maintaining assets around the county.
It was reported recently that 74% of organisations think that offices will be a thing of the past and new ways of working will be paramount to the sustainability of those organisations including local authorities. Most people now know that the Shirehall will no longer be the long term base for Shropshire Council and a new modern and reduced space building will become the new civic hub.
Whilst we get used to working from home we also need to get used to phrases such as; 'You're on mute, is that a legacy hand?, sorry my PC is about to do an update, during MS Teams meetings!
Finally from me, I would like to reassure you that it will remain business as usual during these uncertain times. I guarantee that we will continue to do our best to support all our customers 24/7. So please if you need any further support and or guidance then contact either me directly or one of the PSG team.
Steve Carpenter, PSG Manager
Statutory requirements for building managers
Building managers need to ensure they are carrying out their statutory responsibilities including;
Ensure contractors review and sign the asbestos management report every time they attend site in case the annual report has changed in between them checking the report. This includes reviewing the building plan to ensure that the contractor is aware of any known asbestos material in the area that they are working. If the contractor discovers and suspect material, they are to stop work immediately, close the room and contact PSG for assistance.
PLEASE NOTE ANY INTRUSIVE WORKS MUST BE SUBJECT TO A DETAILED ASBESTOS REFURBISHMENT SURVEY PRIOR TO WORKS COMMENCING.
Ensure contractors sign in and out of site along with providing photo identification and DBS number only (if applicable to the site) (please note you cannot request a copy of the contractors DBS certificate).
Ensure that the fire alarm system is tested weekly and recorded in the fire alarm log book in accordance with BS5839. This includes ensuring that all auxiliary equipment linked to the fire alarm such as automatic doors, door maglock or roller shutters etc. operate as required. Please contact PSG if you require a fire alarm log book or to report a fault on the system.
Ensure that all emergency lighting is flash tested every month and recorded in the emergency lighting log book in accordance with BS5266. Please contact PSG if you require an emergency lighting logbook or to report any faults on the system.
Defibrillators
Med UK are currently offering PSG competitive prices on defibrillators with further discounts available on orders over 4.
They are also offering a 10% discount off First Aid Training (including the 1 & 2 Day OFSTED Paediatric First Aid) for any premises that purchases a product.
Please contact Nathan Davies on 01743 254518 for more information.
Some of our projects
Meole Brace Secondary 5 classroom extension
PSG are pleased to announce the award for a new teaching block to Wrexham based contractor, Read Construction Holdings Ltd. The new building will form the language teaching ‘hub’ for Meole Brace secondary school in Shrewsbury. 5 Classrooms will be provided along with a small group meeting room, a staff room, toilets and storage. The building will occupy a prominent site at the front of the school campus and will be built to the highest modern standards. It will achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and will also be ‘zero-carbon’. To further boost the environmental credentials it will be built to the very stringent ’Passivhaus‘ standard. This is a first for Shropshire Council and will provide genuine evidence of the Council’s commitment to addressing climate change. It will result in a highly efficient building that consumes very little energy and delivers very high levels of comfort for all users of the building. Construction is likely to start later this year and continue through to September 2021.
Haughmond Federation
Shropshire Council is investing £8.44million to create a new flagship facility in Featherbed Lane, which will allow Sundorne Infant School and Nursery to move from its existing home on Corndon Crescent and relocate on to the same site as Harlescott Junior School, enabling the Haughmond Federation to consolidate its infant and junior provision on a single site. Both schools will also increase in size to meet local demand for additional primary school places. PSG are managing the project with Pave Aways Ltd, works to commence early 2021.
St Thomas & St Anne's Primary emergency lighting
Clevertronics Hive emergency lighting was installed as part of the rewire. By installing the self-test system we have permanently removed the emergency lighting annual servicing cost for the school and guaranteed that parts and battery repair costs will be covered under warranty for 6 years. This is the second school to receive this system, Martin Wilson Primary being the first.
John Wilkinson Primary new boiler and controls
Taylors Mechanical Ltd have achieved a very high standard of installation on the new boiler and controls, especially considering the very tight time constraints, to successfully achieve the heating and hot water requirements for the start of the new school year.
Bishops Castle Business Park
Planning has been approved for the provision of four new business units which will occupy the undeveloped land to the north of the existing Business Park. The project is due to start on site in April 2021 with completion of all units before December 2021.
St John the Baptist Primary new entrance
Single storey flat roof construction providing a new entrance lobby area to enhance security and functionality of existing School reception. The construction provides a ‘feature’ entrance to the existing building and is completed in materials and detailing to match the existing building.
Farewell to Rob Leighton, Building Surveyor, who retired in September. We will miss Rob, but we wish him a long and happy retirement enjoying quality time with his family, friends, growing plants for his new garden and maintaining his amazing dancing skills!
Welcome to Matthew Venables, Senior Building Surveyor, who joined us in September. Matthew has over 20 years’ experience in the construction sector, designing and leading on many successfully completed alterations, refurbishments and new build schemes within the domestic, education, healthcare and local authority sectors ranging up to £3.5 million in value
Emma Lant successfully completed her Level 3 Business & Administration apprenticeship earlier in the year and is now undertaking a Level 4. Emma has shown great commitment to completing her coursework alongside providing a very busy help desk service and administration of planned maintenance contracts.
Congratulations to Alex Morris, our Trainee Land Surveyor, who has obtained a Distinction* and Distinction in his Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in construction and the Built Environment.
Alex will now attend Wolverhampton University to undertake a Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship Level 6.
We also congratulate Alexander Pammenter, our Trainee Building Surveyor, for obtaining Distinction - Merit in his Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and Built Environment course.
Alexander will also attend Wolverhampton University in September to complete a Chartered Building Surveying Degree.
Alastair Bain recently achieved 8 credits at level two on his Trusted Assessor course provided by Independent Living Partnership. Units included:
Assisted Technology and Independent Living
The constraints and influences of the Environment on functional ability
Enabling independent living
The principles of person-centred practice
Alastair manages the Disabled Facilities Grant programme of works so this will only enhance his knowledge and professionalism in this field