STONEWOOD Partnerships has halted work at its developments in Great Somerford and Holt to protect its staff and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Tormarton company said work will end today but staff will spend a few days securing the sites. The company is building 38 new homes at Brook Farm in Great Somerford and 44 new homes and 100 workspaces on the former J&T Beaven tannery site in Holt.

Stonewood Group employs 200 staff at its offices in Castle Combe, Tormarton, Castle Cary, Corsham and Lechlade as well as on its sites and many hundreds of contractors across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the South West.

Stonewood Chief Operating Officer Ben Lang said: “Following the Prime Minister’s request for stricter social distancing and after careful consideration, Stonewood Group has decided to temporarily cease activity on all 32 of its current live sites from today.

“We have taken this decision with the health and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, suppliers, clients and neighbours firmly in mind. We stand in solidarity with the communities where we work and are happy to play our part in keeping them safe. We feel this is the responsible thing to do to stem the threat of Covid-19 as far as possible.”

The company will review the situation daily but we expect our sites to remain closed for at least the next three weeks, as per government advice.

Mr Lang added: “Our offices are now closed and staff there are working from home but our phone lines and email are operational as normal for any queries. Contractors will be able to contact contract managers and directors as usual.

“We take the welfare of our 200 staff very seriously and will be exploring all options to ensure their employment remains secure. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and diligence during this crisis.

“We remain committed to the communities, customers, partners and contractors that make Stonewood Group such a great company. We are a resilient business and we will emerge from the other side of this crisis able to continue delivering outstanding homes, designed and built by craftsmen.”