Kenneth Booth

Technical Textiles For Building And Construction

Any standing structure has to bear a tremendous amount of stress because that’s how gravity works. This gives rise to a fierce competition among researchers and construction firms to collectively step towards alternatives that are not only more durable but also account for increased efficiency. If the material used to

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ceda Supplier Awards 2019 Shortlist Announced

We’re delighted to announce the shortlist of nominees for this year’s ceda Supplier Awards! The Supplier Awards are voted for by ceda members, for the suppliers they feel have delivered the best overall service in terms of quality of product, support and service. Recognition is given to three categories; Heavy

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Construction of Leisure Centres – The UK’s Increasing Demand

The sports and leisure industries within the UK are booming. More people than ever before are choosing to focus on their health and fitness, thanks in part to inspiring role models within the sector. Boxing and fitness classes are becoming particularly popular, yet space for these types of facilities is

Read More »

The Rise of the Smart Home

There is no cap on the impact or capabilities of technology. From phones to laptops, from satnav to Google Earth, the boundaries of what the latest devices and gadgets can do are constantly being pushed forward. Now, the home itself is starting to evolve with the times too, being redefined

Read More »

Kite Packaging introduces new hand pallet wrap bundle offer

Pallet wraps are made of a highly elastic plastic film made from linear low-density polyethene (LLDPE). The plastic wrap tension after application protects the contents stored in a pallet during transit. Stored items remain together in the pallet. Pallet wraps are designed to reduce damage and loss of products. Kite’s

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MARK JOINS THE HORBURY PROPERTY SERVICES TEAM

Horbury Property Services, the repairs, maintenance and compliance business that is part of the Horbury Group and based in South Yorkshire, has appointed Mark Jagger as Senior Estimator. Mark previously worked as Design Estimator for a major building and facilities company in Derby and prior to this as Senior Estimator

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Civil engineers to complete work on £75m Highways England Silverlink project

Seymour Civil Engineering is nearing completion on its award-winning role at the North East’s first ‘super roundabout’.    Work on the £75m Highways England Silverlink triple decker roundabout is scheduled to finish in just weeks with Hartlepool-based Seymour Civil Engineering contracted by John Sisk & Son to install £8m highway and kerb drainage.    Seymour has been

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Latest Issue
Issue 344 : Sep 2026

Kenneth Booth

Technical Textiles For Building And Construction

Any standing structure has to bear a tremendous amount of stress because that’s how gravity works. This gives rise to a fierce competition among researchers and construction firms to collectively step towards alternatives that are not only more durable but also account for increased efficiency. If the material used to construct your house enables you to save some bucks on the electricity bill, it seems like a no-brainer to adopt such building materials. This article focuses on technical textiles and reasons that pave the way for their impeccable success in the manufacturing industry.   Plenty of natural light Buildings utilising textile materials in rooftop construction or walls don’t end up becoming dull unlike those built with opaque building materials. The translucency of fabric allows you to carry out your activities in the room without having to need artificial lighting as these fabrics let most of the natural light pass through them. Along with saving energy bill on illuminating the room, cost of cooling and heating equipment can also be checked as these materials tend to do a fair job in regulating the temperature. Apart from benefitting on the monetary front, you will also observe a hike in productivity as you begin to work under natural lighting conditions.   Go well with dynamic plans Various reconfigurations can also be required in some instances and making changes in structures employing traditional building materials not only takes more time but also leaves you with a yard full of junk. Textile materials, on the other hand, provide you with unmatched flexibility that comes handy when you need to bring any modification in the already constructed site. The ability to be reconfigured easily makes these materials suitable for changing requirements.   Easily portable Use of textile material is also convenient for the structures that need to be shifted along with being built for a relatively lesser time. This way you don’t have to take down the entire facility in order to again construct from scratch as you can simply relocate the structure and set up at the desired location. Moreover, it isn’t practically feasible to transfer a site that has a substantially enormous weight because of utilising materials like wood, steel or concrete. Fabric materials render versatility to the construction that lets you save on costs that arise during relocation.   Require less maintenance Regular wear and tear also account for a considerable amount of sum to be spent so as to keep the structure in robust shape. These maintenance costs are significantly reduced when you decide to go with fabric materials that are not only price effective but also come with immensely low maintenance requirements. Moreover, you can go with several protective coatings that further aim to curb the impact of harmful UV rays to make the most out of your building.   Speeds up the construction Textile building materials allow fast construction, thus enabling you to build the structure in relatively lesser time than it would take with traditional counterparts. These materials come with improved durability along with taking considerably fewer man-hours to finish the project. You can achieve the desired strength of the structure without having to delay the time it takes to construct the site when suitable fabric materials are chosen.   Takeaway: Advancement in building technology is undoubtedly going to benefit construction companies who can stand various structures in relatively lesser time. However, it is the customer who takes the most significant advantages of improved methods and new materials to maximise the efficiency of any construction project. Any construction company has detailed information regarding the best-suited textile materials for the facility you are planning to work upon.   Plagiarism Report:

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Building Projects Group appointed as contractor for ‘vital’ next stage of building development for North West charity

Charity Reuben’s Retreat has appointed Hadfield-based Building Projects Group Ltd to undertake the next stage in the development of the charity’s forever home. Reuben’s Retreat aims to help families who have children with a life threatening or life limiting illness, or those who have lost a child, offering support in a number of ways. Building Projects Group has now begun work on phases four, five and six at the Retreat. The three phases, which are part of a 10 phase, multi-million pound project, will include a hydro suite, a sensory play and movie room, offices and fully accessible changing facilities. The building work should take around 30 weeks, so is expected to complete in Autumn 2019. The work will involve comprehensive structural works, extensions. full electrical & mechanical upgrades and a high specification construction and fit out. It will also see the creation of a feature glazed link, a new entrance, a fully accessible Hydro Pool including accessible changing facilities and plantroom. The charity bought the old Wood’s Hospital in Glossop in 2014, taking on the massive challenge of renovating it from near dereliction to become Reuben’s Retreat, a place where families can relax, recharge, remember and rebuild. Reuben’s Retreat was set up in memory of 23-month old Reuben, who fell ill while on a family holiday in Devon in August 2012. A trip to A&E revealed a rare and aggressive brain tumour. He sadly never regained consciousness and passed away a week later in his mother’s arms, who pledged his short life wouldn’t be in vain. Nicola Graham, Reuben’s mummy and founder of Reuben’s Retreat, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Building Projects Group – they quickly stood out as a partner who understood what we are about and who would help us achieve our aims. They’re going out and championing our cause for us and asking their key suppliers for their most competitive pricing in order to maximise our money. We need to make sure that every penny that our fundraisers and volunteers raise is put to good use, so it allows us to help even more families. We can’t wait to be able to offer our families the use of the hydro suite and play rooms – it’s a vital and exciting stage of our development.” Adam Bell, managing director at Building Projects Group, said: “On behalf of us all at Building Projects Group we are delighted to have been chosen for this fantastic project. We very much look forward to delivering this wonderful scheme with Nicola and the Reuben’s Retreat Team.  I’d also like to extend our thanks to our supply chain partners for their continued support of this wonderful charity.” To find out more information log on to www.reubensretreat.org or follow Reuben’s Retreat on Facebook or Twitter.

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ceda Supplier Awards 2019 Shortlist Announced

We’re delighted to announce the shortlist of nominees for this year’s ceda Supplier Awards! The Supplier Awards are voted for by ceda members, for the suppliers they feel have delivered the best overall service in terms of quality of product, support and service. Recognition is given to three categories; Heavy Equipment, Light Equipment, Accessories & Spares and Outstanding Customer Service. Successful companies have been informed and it is our pleasure to now announce the 2019 shortlist, along with this year’s sponsor, Commercial Kitchen. Heavy Equipment Maidaid-Halcyon Ltd Meiko UK Ltd Rational UK Ltd Light Equipment Accessories & Spares Commercial Catering Spares Ltd First Choice Catering Spares Ltd Mechline Developments Ltd Outstanding Customer Service First Choice Catering Spares Ltd Maidaid-Halcyon Ltd Mechline Developments Ltd ceda’s Adam Mason comments on the shortlist, “These suppliers must feel a great deal of pride in being shortlisted for awards that are voted for by their customers. An excellent product is obviously important but crucially, and more and more, the sales and technical support and ongoing customer service are key for Members. I offer my sincere congratulations and indeed thanks to the shortlisted companies.” The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner and Awards Evening of the 2019 ceda Conference on Friday 5th April at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.

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FIS extends helping hand to Paragon Interiors staff facing redundancy

FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK, have extended their hand to help the 75 staff being made redundant at Paragon Interiors. Iain Mcilwee, FIS CEO said “Paragon Interiors is a time served Gold award winning member of FIS and its tragic to learn the deal with Red 7 Property has collapsed. We care deeply about our membership base and recognise that staff are the most valuable asset of any organisation. We have worked with our colleagues at Paragon Interiors for a long time and for this reason we would like to help them secure employment in other organisations through our contacts and networks” FIS have reached out to their colleagues at Paragon Interiors, their MP, local employment groups and their membership base to see if they can find new employment opportunities for those impacted. Staff at Paragon Interiors can email FIS their details at info@thefis.org and we will endeavour to help them through discussions with our industry networks and on social media. About FIS is the representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The FIS has nearly 500 members drawn from contractors, manufacturers and distributers of ceilings, facades, partitions, plastering, drywall and specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment businesses. Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH Telephone 0121 707 0077 Email info@thefis.org Website www.thefis.org FIS exists to support its members, improve safety, minimise risk, enhance productivity and drive innovation in the sector. As well as specialist publications, technical support and expert helplines, FIS is a dynamic network that brings the sector together through a range of events, awards and specialist working groups, all aimed at sharing best practice, setting standards and advising Government, that help its members to improve performance and win work. Members of the FIS are subjected to an audit and vetting process when they join and then again, every three years that underpins the values by which the organisation operates. To drive quality and ensure the future sustainability of the sector, FIS has a dedicated skills and training team and works with a number of Approved Training Providers to attract new people to the sector and deliver a fully qualified and competent workforce. FIS is dedicated to collaboration in construction and a proud member of BuildUK, the Construction Products Association and the Passive Fire Protection Forum.

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Construction of Leisure Centres – The UK’s Increasing Demand

The sports and leisure industries within the UK are booming. More people than ever before are choosing to focus on their health and fitness, thanks in part to inspiring role models within the sector. Boxing and fitness classes are becoming particularly popular, yet space for these types of facilities is now limited. Consequently, the construction industry is seeing a demand for leisure centres and sports clubs. Here, we’ll look at the rise in the demand for sports clubs and leisure centres and how it benefits other businesses. Sports clubs continue to grow Last year, the Sports Club Survey Report discovered that sports clubs in England were continuing to grow despite numerous challenges. Over half of clubs that responded to the survey, claimed they expected their adult memberships to continue to increase. There was also an interesting rise in the number of volunteers working within sports centres, showing the love of sports isn’t just tied to money. The challenges of building sports and leisure centres Although the rise in the demand for sports and leisure centres is increasing, there are challenges construction workers face when building these types of buildings. A lot of the new sports clubs require a unique, modern construction, rather than a standard generic layout. They are more specialised buildings, ranging greatly in size from single gymnasiums to large stadiums. Even the refurbishment of older facilities can be a complex construction process. Just some of the issues involved in the building of sports clubs and leisure centres include high up-front costs and long project completion. How the increase in demand benefits other sectors There may be challenges within the construction of additional sports clubs and leisure centres. However, the rise in demand is having benefits on other sectors. Companies which supply fitness equipment are seeing an increase in business, as are those which supply facilities for the buildings such as JLA. An additional benefit is that these new clubs and leisure centres require new staff to keep them running. So, personal trainers are seeing an increase in demand too. However, the wider benefits are even more remarkable. As there is an increase in demand for sports and leisure facilities, it means a lot of people are focused on getting fitter. This is obviously a great benefit for society as a whole. It also means less pressure will be placed onto the NHS eventually as obesity levels drop. Obviously, this isn’t a benefit that’s going to happen overnight, but it is a promising sign that people are getting fitter and healthier. Overall, sports clubs and leisure centres are becoming more popular in the UK. While there may be challenges building and running new facilities, this increase in demand is delivering a lot of benefits to associated sectors too.

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The Rise of the Smart Home

There is no cap on the impact or capabilities of technology. From phones to laptops, from satnav to Google Earth, the boundaries of what the latest devices and gadgets can do are constantly being pushed forward. Now, the home itself is starting to evolve with the times too, being redefined into what’s now commonly known as a smart home. Moreover, these kinds of households are absolutely on the rise. In fact, it’s been reported that 23% of Britons now own at least one smart home device, and that number is expected to grow exponentially in the near future too. It’s exciting and intriguing, signalling greater changes on the horizon. Consequently, let’s briefly chronicle what’s sparking the rise of the smart home.   Consumer Driven The smart home is amassing more and more popularity with every passing day. Technology is making life easier, and safer, for a lot of people, to the point now that it’s being regularly integrated into the very core of people’s homes. Few people go for more than a few hours without a glance at social media or playing a games console; the demand for ease, efficiency and entertainment is higher than ever. Ultimately, this is principally what made smart home technology possible. The UK is following in the footsteps of the US here, which is the most advanced smart home market at the time of writing. Whether its people wanting the latest toys at their disposal or greater disability access in their homes, the smart home industry is undoubtedly consumer driven. It’s a wide market indeed, and it caters to literally every homeowner in some capacity.   Increasing Property Values What’s new is also, usually, expensive. Therefore, it’s the consensus that smart homes do in fact add significant amounts of value to any given property that utilises them. Supplying the home with unique and quirky gadgets that truly enhance the property is something that many people are becoming interested in – particularly if they’re looking to sell property and attract buyers. Ultimately, this leads to a further facilitation of smart home appeal. It’s that extra draw and incentive to take the plunge and move to a new area, where before buyers would be cautious and apprehensive. It gives the entire market a bit of a much needed kick and a shot of vigour, causing speedier transactions and quicker moves.   Construction Changes Gradually, the construction industry will likely understand the influence, and demand, the smart home industry is attracting. Retrofitting to implement these changes is still the most common way of integrating smart home technologies into a domestic setting. That said, some building businesses will probably begin to outfit these kinds of homes from the outset, with all the latest technological bells and whistles too. Building smart homes instead of eventually retrofitting common homes will undoubtedly slash costs and save time. It’s a simpler way forward that streamlines the entire process, allowing the nifty products to be made available right away. Of course, this will then lead to a further rise in the appeal of the smart home; it’s less legwork to buy a smart home upfront, than to laboriously make alterations and adjustments as time goes on.

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Kite Packaging introduces new hand pallet wrap bundle offer

Pallet wraps are made of a highly elastic plastic film made from linear low-density polyethene (LLDPE). The plastic wrap tension after application protects the contents stored in a pallet during transit. Stored items remain together in the pallet. Pallet wraps are designed to reduce damage and loss of products. Kite’s 5×5 pallet wrap system, one of the UK’s safest ways of reducing health and safety issues associated with hand wrapping pallets, is now available to buy in bundles on the Kite Packaging website. The employee-owned business has introduced new hand stretch bundles which will help save its customer’s time and money thanks to their operational efficiency boosting qualities. When used with industrial tools and supplies such as pallet floor scales and pallet hand wrapping systems, the new product can significantly enhance and streamline warehouse workflow. While industrial pallet scales ensure accurate weighing of pallets, pallet hand wraps ensure pallet content protection during transportation. This hand wrapping system is particularly useful for businesses looking to boost their green credentials and reduce their use of plastic as it reduces the amount of pallet wrap used by up to 60%. The 5×5 pallet wrap dispenser, which was previously only available on a rental basis, can also now be purchased as a permanent addition, meaning businesses no longer have to enter into a contract. Ergonomically designed to improve comfort and efficiency, these hand held pallet wrap systems allow operators to walk forward around pallets in order to dispense the film in a natural position with no bending or stretching required. This combined with its pre-stretch gears that release film at the optimum elastic point, ensures a reduced risk of any health and safety issues that can arise. The bundles are each made up of a 5×5 shrink wrap dispenser and nano technology pallet wrap, with a wide variety of pallet wrap specifications to choose from so businesses can find the right pallet wrap for their business. Product packaging ranges from bubble envelopes and cartons to pallet wrap systems. Whatever your business niche is, it’s crucial to choose a product packaging that is environmentally friendly. When using pallet wraps, it’s crucial to determine the items you’ll be storing. Square boxes and even loads should have an elastic wrap, with static material to cling to flat box edges. For uneven boxes, the loads need an elastic pallet wrap with more thickness and strength, and higher tear resistance. Irregular edges of uneven loads may tear or rip the pallet wrap during transport. For very uneven loads or boxes with different sizes, shapes, and weight, experienced staff should wrap the items to avoid damage using high-quality wraps with superior tear resistance. If you want to find out how else you can improve your environmental operations, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk.

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MARK JOINS THE HORBURY PROPERTY SERVICES TEAM

Horbury Property Services, the repairs, maintenance and compliance business that is part of the Horbury Group and based in South Yorkshire, has appointed Mark Jagger as Senior Estimator. Mark previously worked as Design Estimator for a major building and facilities company in Derby and prior to this as Senior Estimator at Interserve Power for 2.5 years, where he headed up projects for power line replacement and maintenance and new high voltage underground connection works.  For both roles, Mark responded to tender enquiries, including providing full pricing for projects. At Horbury Property Services, Mark will track, record and reply in full to all appropriate tender opportunities, which includes completing pre-qualification questionnaires, submitting relevant documentation required by the organisation and estimating costs to carry out projects. Richard Sutton, General Manager at Horbury Property Services, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Mark to the business as we continue to expand our team.  He will play an important role in responding to tenders, both in the public and private sector as we help local authorities and commercial landlords to carry out cost effective planned maintenance, refurbishment and fire safety programmes.” Horbury Property Services provides a full range of services, including inspection, installation, repair and maintenance of fire doors, joinery works, fire stopping, sealing, fire compartmentation, fire alarm and emergency light testing, portable appliance testing, electrical testing and installation work, building fabric repairs as well as external cladding and render repairs. In addition, the wider Horbury Group provides dry wall partitioning, painting and decorating, ceiling and flooring upgrades, de-mountable screens. The company has regional offices in London and South Wales together with a South Yorkshire Head Office ensure a truly national capability enabling its teams to successfully deliver responsive repairs or large planned refurbishment and maintenance programmes.   For more details, visit www.horburypropertyservices.com or call 01709 917555.

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Considerate Constructors Scheme lays out new blueprint for delivering value to communities and customers

The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the not for profit organisation that works with contractors, clients, the construction supply chain and communities to enhance the image of the construction industry – is introducing a series of steps that will develop the Scheme for the next decade. The Scheme, which brings value and benefits to thousands of communities and partner contractors, clients and suppliers across the UK and Ireland, will work with the industry to create a new focus on Social Value.  It will also focus on driving deeper community and public engagement, a more focused strategy on consumer facing marketing and PR, a comprehensive programme of listening and partnership and an assessment of new technology initiatives that can develop the core benefits of the Scheme. To develop the Scheme further it will be searching for a new Chief Executive, while it has confirmed the securing of a new service agreement with the Scheme’s operational delivery partner from 1 January 2020. ”This announcement sets the Considerate Constructors Scheme on a path for the next 10 years,” said the Scheme’s Executive Chairman, Isabel Martinson MBE.  “Our new strategy and structure will mean that the Scheme will be well equipped for the next phase of its journey. “The appointment of a new Chief Executive is part of this development.  They will report directly to the Executive Chairman and the Board.  They will support our networks, work with senior decision makers and creatively invigorate community engagement, business development and marketing, ensuring value for communities, contractors, clients, the supply chain, local authorities and the public.  They will bring insights and perspectives that refresh our strategies and our approach to all stakeholders.” Edward Hardy, who has been the Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme for the past 10 years, will step down at the end of 2019 when the new Chief Executive takes up the role. The Considerate Constructors Scheme has a third party delivery partner that manages the day to day operations and implementation of the Scheme.  The signing of a new delivery and service agreement underscores the successful partnership that has been created by the Considerate Constructors Scheme alongside the Scheme’s owners, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Construction Products Association (CPA). “The Scheme’s wide adoption, support and partnership across the UK and Irish construction industries are testament to the hard work, vision and innovation the Scheme has brought to the construction industry.  The Considerate Constructors Scheme has measurably improved the image of construction,” said Mrs Martinson. The new Chief Executive will lead the strategic direction of the Scheme, how the Scheme works with communities, with customers and with a broad range of organisations, interest groups, local and national government and other key stakeholders.  New tools will be developed to understand and measure Social Value.  There will be a strengthening of where the Considerate Constructors Scheme delivers key value, including:  the development of its Ultra Sites programme; contractor and subcontractor registration; and an assessment of how it may be able to be more effective geographically.  The Scheme will also review its marketing and communications strategy and how it might provide additional value to industry Public Affairs work. “We are entering an exciting time for the Scheme,” Mrs Martinson continued.  “We have a tremendous opportunity to focus on the key benefits demanded by the industry, to work on our consumer conversations, to engage with media and public interest groups, NGOs and other stakeholders.  We have a unique delivery platform; the Considerate Constructors Scheme will become more accessible to the public, continue its effectiveness with the industry and broaden its outreach and messages.” The search for the new Chief Executive has begun with an appointment expected in the coming months.  

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Civil engineers to complete work on £75m Highways England Silverlink project

Seymour Civil Engineering is nearing completion on its award-winning role at the North East’s first ‘super roundabout’.    Work on the £75m Highways England Silverlink triple decker roundabout is scheduled to finish in just weeks with Hartlepool-based Seymour Civil Engineering contracted by John Sisk & Son to install £8m highway and kerb drainage.    Seymour has been on site for 102 weeks to date and has been crowned ‘Supply Chain Partner of the Year Civils UK’ at the Sisk Supply Chain Awards for the last two years for its work on the project, with particular mention made about the quality of work and its collaborative approach.          Ryan Browell, Contracts Manager at Seymour, said: “It’s definitely been one of the largest projects that I have been involved in throughout my career.    “I think the main challenge has been working around traffic management. We worked collaboratively with a host of other contractors such as those looking after the piling, bridges and laying of the roads.”   He added: “We are very pleased with the work and we know that it’s going to make a real difference on one of the UK’s primary transport corridors.”    Seymour has installed drainage utilising the latest shaft sinking and microtunnelling techniques which has enabled continuous traffic flow on the A19.     The four key areas of Seymour’s work involved:   Main highway and land drainage  Trenchless crossing undertaken by micro tunnelling techniques  Sinking three shafts – the deepest being 13.5m deep  Installation of combined kerb drainage  It has also provided 24-hour on-site support.     Health and safety on this project has been of the highest calibre, working to Highways England’s ‘Raising the Bar’ standards given the nature of the location of the works and the risks involved.   The scheme in North Tyneside, at the A19 and A1058 Coast Road junction, has been ongoing since summer 2016.   Three layers have been created – the Coast Road on top, a junction in the middle and the A19 on the bottom.    Once complete, the project will dramatically reduce queuing time for motorists travelling along the A19 at peak times.    Highways England has confirmed the scheme is on schedule to finish in March and the work is now entering the final stages.    Picture caption: Ongoing work at Silverlink.   

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