WORKMEN have almost finished building a dam at Osney Island that will allow construction of a power-generating turbine.

Piles have been driven into the ground to build the cofferdam over the past three weeks, to push back the Thames before the main part of the project is started.

The community group behind the Osney Lock Hydro claimed that there have been almost no complaints about noise during construction.

There had been fears noise from the work would disrupt residents.

Dr Barbara Hammond, one of the people behind the scheme, said: “We had rumours on Osney Island that the work hadn’t started yet because it was so quiet.

“Construction is going swimmingly. The piling is pretty much finished.

“We are doing it in partnership with the Environment Agency who are replacing Weir B and repairing Weir A. All three projects will last until Christmas pretty much.”

Earlier this year the group behind the hydro managed to raise £320,000 in 10 days by selling shares.

The hydro project will generate 165,500kwh of electricity a year, equivalent to that needed to power more than 50 houses.

But the energy it generates will be sold to the Environment Agency rather than going into the National Grid.

The profits will contribute to a fund to be reinvested in low carbon projects to reduce the carbon footprint of the community. It is hoped the fund will total £2m over a 40-year period. Work on the hydro is expected to last until the end of the year. It will begin generating the energy next spring.

Bridge Street resident Harriet Gascoigne-Pees said noise from the work was disturbing.

She said: “The noise is horrendous. My house actually shook when they were doing the work.

“It has been going on for about three weeks. It has not been great.”

But other residents said they hadn’t heard anything. Elizabeth Newbery, of North Street, said: “I am at the other end of the island so I have not been affected by it.”

Punter landlord Tom Rainey said: “I don’t believe in the project but to be honest I haven’t heard any noise.”

TIMELINE

  • 2008: Low Carbon West Oxford first floats the idea of a turbine in the River Thames
  • October 2012: A planning application for the turbine is submitted to Oxford City Council
  • April 2013: After being given planning permission, the group raises funds to start construction work
  • May 2013: The Angling Trust says it is considering a legal challenge to the turbine over fears it would kill the river’s fish population
  • June 2013: Pile-driving work starts as construction gets underway and a Himalayan cedar tree is cut down