Over the past 12 months – throughout every lockdown – the College’s Works department has continued to work behind the scenes, conducting important routine safety checks and maintaining and repairing buildings around our estate in preparation for the students’ return.
Here we speak to Estates Manager, Andrew Buckle, on how his team has kept the College running during lockdown.
“Working within Covid restrictions, the department was able to reduce the number of outstanding works on the system, clearing a large backlog of priority jobs as well as most routine works.
The department conducted the regular inspections that are required by law, including electrical, gas, water, vehicles, and fire safety checks. Some examples in these areas are fixed wiring inspections, portable appliance testing, gas boiler inspections, and water testing. Although temporarily out of use, the swimming pool and pump house were treated tested and fully maintained throughout.
Notably through the efforts of Mr Paul Clark the department was able to locate and repair two major water leaks both at almost 2 metres in depth and on a bed of chalk, making detection extremely difficult, resulting in major cost savings.
The team was also instrumental in building the Lateral Flow Test area in Big School, and providing Covid safety screens across the College.
In summary, the department has continued to provide a very flexible and professional service to ensure the College buildings, grounds and facilities are safe and maintained throughout a stressful period of difficulty for all.”
