ONE of the oldest-established family firms in York has been honoured as a considerate constructor.

William Birch & Sons Ltd, based at Osbaldwick, has won a bronze award at the 2003 national Considerate Constructors Scheme awards.

News of the accolade was relayed to the company's well-known chairman Jack Birch, aged 92, just before he died last Monday.

It was another proud moment for the former Lord Mayor of York, who over the past year had personally opened new company headquarters in Osbaldwick and celebrated two separate awards for its restoration work at Whitby Abbey.

The 127-year-old firm earned this latest honour for a £2 million, three-phase major external and internal restoration at the 16th century stately home, Temple Newsam House, in Leeds, and its courtyard. Owned by Leeds City Council, it is now a museum.

David Hardy, general manager of the scheme, said: "The awards are a fantastic opportunity to formally recognise those sites that lead the industry in terms of consideration for its neighbours and good working practices."

He said: "William Birch & Sons has shown outstanding commitment to the welfare of the local community and has overcome various operational constraints - a textbook example of how to undertake this kind of contract.

"Throughout the duration of the project the contractor was conscientious in carrying out essential building repairs with the minimum of disruption to the management and housekeeping personnel who remained in occupation of the house."

Updated: 09:37 Tuesday, April 22, 2003