First Inspection

Progress was slow after the first phase. Work included rebuilding a section of leaning boundary wall (see back-drop to photo) and digging pits for determining the permeability of the soil. This was achieved by running a percolation test; filling up the holes with water and then timing how long it took for the water to run away. There are graphs and tables available from the Building Research Establishment to predict the required depth and length of the hole. It was intended to run electric, gas, water and telephone cables in the same trench.

In August 2004 the works were inspected by a contingent from the NatWest Old Lags who wanted to check progress to date. The scheme was subjected to a very stringent scrutiny, but was finally sanctioned for further development.

Fortunately the construction programme wasn't pinned down and remained rather vague.