Case Studies

Bucks Mills is a popular tourist spot hidden in a valley which peters out onto the cliff-tops above Bideford Bay just a few miles from Clovelly. From those cliff-tops there is a steep path down the cliff-face to the former limekiln and slipway. Severe winter storms regularly batter the North Devon coast and Bucks Mills is no exception and required approximately £10,000 of repairs by April 2009.

Apart from the need to provide Lanyards and Harnesses secured to the rock-face to prevent risk of injury to the workforce from falls; the work required the specialism of true Stonemasonry (something WMS are very familiar with.) The biggest headache however, was one of logistics. The storage and Transportation of tonnes of stone, sand and quick setting, salt resistant cement down the cliff-face required careful planning.

In the end it was realised that much of the stonework that had been washed away from the slipway was still evident on the beach. This was recovered literally stone by stone; and with the assistance of a mini half-track dumper truck to bring down just enough mixed sand and cement from the cliff-top to replace each handful of stones recovered, the task was completed according to plan, on-time and in budget.Photograph one shows the repaired coping and wall with the buttress still awaiting its turn in the process. Photograph Two shows a close-up of some of the repair detail.

Ethelwynne Brown Close formed part of an External Cyclical Repair Programme valued at in excess of £500,000.
The site is prestigious; being highly visible from the tourist magnet of the town of Bideford’s quayside and as such colour impact and finish was critical.

WMS were able to call upon the technical might of ICI DULUX as one of their select Trade Partners, and this enabled the client to sample a wide range of colour and technical specifications for the scheme.
Two key aspects of the Contract were the resolution of deteriorating Beadwork, and the logistics of access over the architectural design of the buildings.

The beadwork deterioration had been caused by the site’s proximity to the tidal River Torridge. To combat this WMS used a combination of applications regularly used in the preservation and restoration of Classic Cars; whilst the level nature of the site allowed the extensive use of powered access platforms.

WMS brought in the expertise of its approved specialist access supplier and in the hands of our IPAF qualified personnel the contract was completed ahead of schedule (despite several ‘Rain Days’ being available to call upon.)
The site comprised largely of Sheltered accommodation with two resident wardens. Resident liaison was therefore essential, in addition to which the health & safety risks of the work were assessed as high. Effective management was provided by a Contract Manager and a Resident Liaison Officer , with a permanent Supervisor and health & safety officer during working hours.

Perhaps of interest is that a total of 9 defects were noted on a site of some 81 housing units, with three of the seven blocks of flats reporting ‘Zero’ defects.

"It's fair to say that there are an awful lot of companies out there that fit kitchens and bathrooms, and we're no exception. However, for a change we thought you'd like to see something a little different.

The photo is of a specially designed kitchen we designed and fitted for a wheelchair user. The design was discussed with the resident first so that we could establish the best ergonomics for thier needs. Various other adaptations where made to the property at the same time including a ramped access, various handrails and a porch. Crucially a fixed date for the return of the resident was essential. 

WMS always meet their targets, and this project was no exception. As a parting gift and in appreciation of the residents support, it's customary for WMS to leave a homecoming pack. Ours usually contains cups, tea, coffee, spoons, cloths, lightbulbs etc... in fact it can be tailored to suit the image any of our clients would like to project."