R K Bell Recent Projects

The Long Run Flood Protection Scheme, Taunton, Somerset

Having won the tender, our focus is not only on completing the work correctly, our priority is client satisfaction and rigorous implementation of the Considerate Constructors Scheme standards. It is vital all ‘major contractors’ uphold safety standards and reduce the impact on the environment and neighbours. At R K Bell we pride ourselves on implementing the highest level of safety and environmental practices.

The main Contractor for this scheme was May Gurney, for the client Taunton Deane Borough Council, Somerset.

The project provided for the increase in capacity of the naturally low-lying land to create lagoons to hold the floodwater. The existing land level had to be reduced by 1.5 metres and moved to form large bunds around the lagoons.

The contract involved the excavation of 40,000 cubic metres of subsoil to create the lagoons, along with 25,000 cubic metres of topsoil, including the creation of 4 metres wide bunds around the new lagoons, levelled and compacted with a 6.5 tonne sheep foot roller.

All the soil was reused on the 8.4 hectare site relocated to create mounds on amenity areas.

All plant used was fitted with environmentally safe ‘Bio Oils’ as works were carried out in close proximity to the riverbank.