WORK on a 17th Century stately home has won construction company Kier Northern an award.

The company, which has operations in Durham and Boston Spa, carried out a £1.7m scheme to re-roof, re-wire and install new heating at Wallington Mansion, in Cambo, Northumberland.

The work has led to a silver award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

To keep the costs down for the clients, Kier agreed to carry out the work without the removal from site of irreplaceable paintings, sculptures and artefacts.

The work included removing door and window surrounds and floorboards to enable ten miles of cabling to be laid.

The expertise of traditional joiners was used to restore the building on completion.

Ley Aldridge, of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: "Procedures for the protection of the building and its contents were agreed.

"The recognition by all site staff and operatives of their personal responsibility to follow these procedures to the absolute letter was exceptionally impressive. Kier Northern site manager Mel Sanderson understood the full position in minute detail and is to be congratulated.

"He maintained a considerate approach, not only to the invaluable premises and artefacts, but also to the client, the public and the voluntary helpers.

"The excellent relationship with all those involved in such a complex project is the main reason why the "zero-damage" policy was achieved so successfully."

Published: ??/??/2004