A construction company has temporarily closed down a multi-million pound redevelopment site for the safety and wellbeing of its workers.

Countryside Properties confirmed yesterday people working on its regeneration scheme in South Oxhey no longer had to attend the site due to the Government advice to stay at home.

A statement on its website read: "Like all businesses, Countryside has been monitoring closely the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.

"The safety and wellbeing of the group's employees, sub-contractors, customers and communities in which it operates is its foremost priority and the group continues to follow the advice issued by the Government.

"Having considered the Government's latest advice, the group has decided to close and suspend all construction works on its sites. Sales offices have also been closed. While these measures will inevitably impact the group's financial performance, it is unclear how long they will remain in place or the extent to which they will impact the group.

"As a result, the group is withdrawing financial guidance for the current financial year and is suspending dividend payments until further notice."

However, Countryside will still be taking virtual show apartment tours via phone and video call.

South Oxhey Central is a major regeneration scheme taking place in partnership with Three Rivers District Council.

The £172 million scheme is being delivered in three phases, bringing hundreds of new homes to South Oxhey, alongside new shops and commercial space.

In the last month or so, residents living in homes that were demolished to make way for the new homes moved into their new properties.

Hillingdon Times:

One of the new completed block of flats in South Oxhey

So far, 188 homes have been built in South Oxhey Central, including 96 for social rent and 21 homes for shared ownership.

Commenting on the decision to close down the construction sites, Three Rivers District Council leader Sara Bedford said: "I am pleased that Countryside have made the responsible decision to close down their development site at South Oxhey Central.

"Although construction sites are allowed to stay open at this time, Countryside have decided that this is the safest way forward."