Morning all,

Good progress is being made at our Scripton Bridge site near Brandon, where we are carrying out work on the strategic transfer mains network.

The work on site is focused on improving the resilience in the network and centres around the installation of a flow meter and electronically operated valve; these instruments all designed to facilitate remote management of the water flow to the surrounding areas.

Last week, the site hosted a visitor, Sally Johnson, who delivers the Programme for Schools within the Durham Works team.  Our site agent, Steve Swinburne, talked to Sally about the skills and qualities we look for in young people who are interested in a career in construction and civil engineering, as well as giving her an insight into the work we’re doing here and the realities of working in this interesting and challenging sector. 

We also spoke to Apprentice Engineer, Ryan Crawford, about his experiences of working and learning with Farrans Construction.  Ryan is pictured above with Karen Alexander, Farrans Social Value Co-ordinator (left) and Sally Johnson of Durham Works (right). Afterwards, Sally said the visit has improved her knowledge and understanding of the sector, which will certainly improve her ability to advise and guide young people in their career choices.

Kind regards

Karen Alexander

Farrans’ Stakeholder and Social Value Co-ordinator

Good afternoon

Introducing Steve Swinburne, who is the Farrans Site Agent for the Scripton Bridge scheme.

Steve’s role is to take operational control and ensure delivery of our network improvements on this scheme, located on the edge of Brandon Village. The works will include the installation of a flow meter and an electronically-operated valve, which will add flexibility and resilience to the water network serving County Durham.

Some survey work has already taken place on the site, which is south-west of the village of Brandon, on land between Winchester Drive, Dominion Road and the A690.

We aim to be setting up our site compound and carrying out preliminary groundworks by late August, ahead of construction work starting in September 2024 which will run for approximately 8 months.

Kind regards

Karen Alexander

Farrans’ Stakeholder and Social Value Co-ordinator

Good morning

Farrans Construction is a leading civil engineering and building contractor with over 80 years' experience of delivering world-class projects across the UK and Ireland. We employ more than 650 people and have offices in London, Edinburgh, Leeds, Monaghan and Belfast.

Our projects have an important role in the everyday lives of people and we are proud to be working closely with Northumbrian Water on a number of schemes which will bring significant benefits to this region including Project Pipeline: County Durham and Tees Valley and Barsham Water Treatment Works.

Making a positive difference to the communities in which we operate is our passion and we place social responsibility at the heart of every scheme, by working with local supply chain, supporting local charitable organisations and providing skills development opportunities through workshops and apprenticeships.

We look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to leave a lasting legacy while delivering Scripton Bridge.

Kind regards

Karen Alexander

Stakeholder and Social Value Co-ordinator

Farrans Construction

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am James Dawes, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager and I will be looking after this scheme through to its completion. The scheme will be delivered by Northumbrian Water’s delivery partner Farrans. 

Starting March 2024, we will be carrying out water network improvements for County Durham allowing us to provide resilience in the Spennymoor area. The scope of works includes the installation of a new below ground valve configuration just south west of Brandon Village, Durham.

As the project develops, I will keep you informed about our plans and progress by sharing our proposals with you on this portal. I am very interested to understand your views. 

The team will post regular updates throughout the construction phase of the project and if you have any queries or want to make us aware of any additional assistance you require from us then please use the ‘Contact us’ button at the top of this page or post on this feed.

If you prefer a telephone conversation or require any further information or advice, please contact our Customer Centre on 0345 717 1100 or visit www.nwl.co.uk to request a call back from the project team.