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Demolition dust storm
• AT the time of the initial demolition work at Islington Green School last summer, the contractor was not carrying out any monitoring of dust (We check dust levels, January 23).
The principal problem is that the council relaxed its own guidelines by releasing the developer, City of London Corporation, and contractor Galliford Try from abiding by the Greater London Authority’s guidance on the control of demolition dust, despite this being a document all London councils have signed up to.
This would have required the developer/contractor to monitor dust and ensure it was kept below certain levels. I have made several requests to find out whether dust monitoring was taking place and what the permitted dust levels were.
Despite numerous assurances, no target levels or dust monitoring figures have been released as the developer/contractor has no obligation to do so. This let-out was given by the council, as was confirmed in writing by the principal legal assistant of the City of London.
I cannot understand why cleaning of windows and cars is promoted as a “courtesy” rather than mandatory when it is contained in the Section 106 agreement for the development. We are not concerned about windows and car cleaning; we are concerned about health implications.
Residents have complained about the lack of tree protection on the site and the subsequent damage to some trees. Some of the issues have subsequently been dealt with.
This, along with the other issues, gives the impression that the council may not be doing all it could and should to ensure the developer/contractor abide by their obligations.
When are our councillors going to ensure that employees of the council look after the interests, health and wellbeing of residents and staff and pupils in their schools?
Come on, council. Come clean on your obligations to protect residents. If there are relaxations on obligations provided by the council be open about them.
I have no complaints with the council’s pollution team, who have been responsive, polite and helpful.
V JONES
N1
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