MoD has duty to be a 'good neighbour' in Lossiemouth, says Lochhead
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The Ministry of Defence has told Moray's MSP that steps will be taken to house civilian contractors within the perimeter fence at RAF Lossiemouth.
Richard Lochhead has raised repeated concerns that contractors from outwith Moray have been travelling to and from the area while working for the MoD.
Last week it was announced that routine renovation work was being suspended on several military houses outside the base's compound.
However, contractors are continuing to upgrade RAF Lossiemouth to make it ready for the Poseidon P-8A reconnaissance planes which have been bought from the US.
Some townsfolk have also voiced worries that the contractors are staying in accommodation in and around Lossiemouth rather than on the base.
Jeremy Quin, the UK minister of state for defence procurement, has now written to Mr Lochhead.
His letter states: "I understand the concerns of the local community and I can assure you the Ministry of Defence takes this matter extremely seriously.
"Senior MOD officials have reviewed this project to determine if it is appropriate for this work to continue.
"Following the review, Amey were instructed on April 15 to cease work on the RAF Lossiemouth SFA roofing project.
"Any properties where the re-roofing work had already started will be completed, and the site will need to be made safe.
"Therefore, Amey contractors will continue to be on site for a few more days.
"However, I can assure you that Amey staff are fully aware of the Government’s Covid-19 guidance, and on the rules regarding social distancing.
"The Station Commander at RAF Lossiemouth will liaise with service family accommodation occupants to explain the reasons for stopping the re-roofing work, and to address any concerns they may have on this matter.
"Essential defence projects, such as the ongoing runway work at RAF Lossiemouth, will continue.
"I would also like to assure you that Amey’s construction workers are currently travelling no further than other MOD personnel stationed at RAF Lossiemouth. However, the Station Commander is exploring accommodation options on the base for those construction workers engaged in critical national infrastructure activity.
"This would remove the requirement for them to travel from off-base service family accommodation where they had been accommodated following the closure of local hotels."
Up to 230 people – of which 124 are Moray residents – are currently working on the upgrades at RAF Lossiemouth.
The lead contractor for the runway and airfield operating surfaces works is Volker Fitzpatrick, which is operating with a number of sub-contractors who are specialists in their areas such as drainage, asphalt production, aeronautical ground lighting, and ducting.
Locally-founded company Robertsons is the lead contractor for the Poseidon Strategic Facility. It is also are operating with a number of sub-contractors in specialist areas, including cladding and concrete works for aircraft hardstandings.
Mr Lochhead has also received a reply from Group Captain Chris Layden, who was appointed station commander at RAF Lossiemouth on April 3.
He said: "Wherever possible, local contractors have been utilised, but the specialist nature of the work means some do have to travel on a fortnightly or monthly basis.
"All staff comply with social distancing requirements on these journeys and return to their home addresses and families during their stand-down periods.
"All contractor staff who can do are currently working digitally and do not attend the site in person.
"Social distancing is enforced across the site in a number of ways.
"Contractor office space is socially distanced. Alternate desks are cordoned off to enforce two-metre separation and additional portacabins are being used to enforce these restrictions.
"Face-to-face meetings have ceased.
"Additional canteens have also been installed with clear demarcations and a rota system.
"Tables have been removed and all staff using the canteen are on a rota to prevent overcrowding."
Group Captain Layden added that cleaning had been stepped up at the base, especially of "high-touch" areas such as door handles and worktops.
Gloves are available at every entrance and hand sanitisation is being enforced.
In addition, contractors were banned from using public transport.
Mr Lochhead stated that the initial feedback he'd had from community representatives is that this MoD response is "vague and lacking in urgency".
He added: "I’m pleased to have now received a response from the MoD regarding the community’s concerns around non-essential working continuing, and also about contractors travelling in and out of the area from other parts of the UK.
"I am also grateful to RAF Lossiemouth for producing the briefing outlining what construction work is happening behind the wire that I requested from the station commander.
"However, there are outstanding issues that are not addressed in either of these replies.
"These include the fact that I continue to be told of lots of non-essential work being carried out by workers who are coming in and out of the area, including maintenance in MoD houses, albeit that some work has ceased.
"Some of the initial feedback I’ve had from the community leaders who contacted me is one of disappointment.
"There is a feeling that the MoD aren’t being as responsive as the community would like, particularly in relation concerns about workers travelling back and forth to the area during lockdown and staying locally.
"I’ll be speaking to the community groups who contacted me to consider next steps, but I think it is clear that more needs to be done to reassure local residents.
"The MoD has a duty to protect our community and to be a good neighbour.
"The feedback I’m getting suggests there is more to be done to give the public the confidence they need."
