Community relations
JBP was asked to provide community relations around the high-profile extension of a National Grid substation and the installation of the Super Grid Transformers (SGTs) located in Bramley Frith Wood. At the same time Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE) are laying a cable pipeline from Bramley to Basingstoke. Bramley Frith Environmental Education Centre had its funding cut prior to work commencing and there was negative press and reaction from the local MP regarding the closure and the environmental impact of the extension.
Activity
A joint approach of community relations was brokered between SSE, NG and JBP in order to change the already negative view of the substation extension and to make sure extension and pipeline projects were seen as one.
The first phase of this was extensive community consultation involving two exhibitions for residents to gain more information and voice their concerns about the project. The exhibitions, manned by both NG and SSE staff, allowed members of the public to give written feedback to the project team which was carefully analysed and changes were made to the project plans where applicable to incorporate these views. Concerns raised included the safety of children in the village due to the increased lorry movements, footpath closures surrounding the substation, ecology and the closure of the environment centre.
JBP briefed the local media, particularly the Basingstoke Gazette and the Basingstoke Observer, about the works. This was the first step in improving the media perception of the works and showed the press that both National Grid and SSE were being proactive in their approach to providing information about the project.
Safety concerns were addressed with a schools initiative in the area. JBP made contact with two local primary schools to inform them of the increased vehicle movements over the period of works. Letters from the project team were sent to all parents and school children received reflective stickers and green cross codes from the Think! campaign. The schools were also sent Think! campaign posters to display in classrooms reminding children to be careful when crossing roads.
The closure of the environment centre was an important issue so National Grid and Hampshire County Council found a suitable location for a new centre. A partnership between HCC, National Grid and a local primary school was formed resulting in the new environmental centre established on school grounds. An opening ceremony was held at the school and major stakeholders and local councillors were invited to attend. Local media also attended and coverage was achieved in the Basingstoke Gazette, Basingstoke Observer and on Radio Berkshire and Kestral FM.
As well as engaging with the local residents and media, it was important to establish open lines of communications with both the Parish Council and the local MP. Again, a joint approach was taken to inform them of the scale of the works. A presentation evening was arranged for the Leader of Basingstoke of Deane Borough Council as well as many of the local ward councillors scaling the length of the cable pipeline route. The MP was invited to attend one of the public exhibitions and many update letters were sent, which ensured all her questions were addressed.
The delivery of the two Super Grid Transformers was a key safety concern due to sheer size and weight of the vehicles. In advance of the first SGT delivery, JBP completed a recce of the route and sent letters to all residents affected by road closures to inform them of the timings of the deliveries and to inform them of the scale of disruption. Residents were also sent a reminder letter in advance of the second delivery and once again were given the SGT phone number.
Results
- Improved relations with the community, media and local government
- The safety scheme initiative was deemed a success and will be used on other similar projects in future
- The SGT delivery was deemed a success and there were no safety incidents.
- Positive press coverage was achieved around the new environmental centre and SGT delivery.
- The good relationships that have been formed have already been of benefit to National Grid as the Parish Council was in support of the Bramley – West Weybridge OHL refurbishment project.