YORK-based Shepherd Construction just could not be more considerate.

The £230 million turnover firm has scooped gold and bronze Considerate Constructors Scheme awards for two of its construction sites.

The gold accolade was in recognition of its Walsall Bus Station project while the bronze was for its work on the Clarendon Centre in Oxford.

Judges were impressed with the organisation of construction of the bus project, including out-of-hours work which ensured that all shops in the vicinity were able to stay open while the footpath was relaid; regular liaison with traders and free and regular information to ensure minimum disruption; the setting up of a complaints procedure - which was never used; and the hosting of visits from architectural and local students.

Shepherd was also praised for providing "excellent site signage", keeping open a central bus route at all times to provide access for buses; and suspending work on Sundays so as not to disturb services at a nearby church.

Vaughan Burnand, managing director of Shepherd Construction, said everyone involved in the projects was extremely pleased.

He said: "We are looking forward to receiving more awards next year."

The scheme, which is voluntary, commits constructors to a seven point code of practice to ensure consideration and good neighbourliness as well as to being clean, tidy, safe, environmentally-conscious, responsible and accountable.