RESIDENTS in Osney have hit out at the disruption caused by work starting on a £500,000 hydro scheme at Osney Lock.

Earlier this year Osney Lock Hydro group secured the money to create the first community-owned turbine to be installed on the Thames. They raised £320,000 in 10 days from shares, sold largely to local people. But this week as workmen began clearing much of the site, residents have raised concern about noise from the micro-hydro and its impact on birds.

A 60ft Himalayan Cedar tree was felled last week, signalling the start of work.

And this week the Osney Lock Hydro team have sent out a letter warning of the noise from pile-driving between 8am and 5pm. Quiet rooms are being provided nearby to offer residents a break from the disturbance.

August will also see the Environment Agency undertaking work to replace the weirs at Osney which is expected to last 20 weeks.

The EA is advising residents to have their homes surveyed, to establish the condition of their properties, in advance of work and again afterwards.

This will make it possible to establish any damage caused by the works from piling vibration – although the risk is believed to be low.

Estate agent Harriet Gascoigne-Pees, of Bridge Street, said: “I am very worried about the potential cracks resulting from vibrations. Many people are concerned about the flood risks. ”

With significant numbers working from home on the island, Ms Gascoigne-Pees said that she and her neighbours were also worried about noise and the design of the hydro.

She said: “I personally fear the overall impact could hit house prices.

“This is a conservation area. Who is going to be happy with that monstrosity?”

Beverley Lear, a landscape designer of East Street, said: “The cedar tree was providing a habitat. There is a good chance that there were nesting birds on the small trees and large shrubs. But the amount of disturbance involved may well have displaced the birds anyway.”

But the Osney Lock Hydro group say that the tree felling only took place on Friday after a visit by an ecologist.

It said in a statement: “There are no nests in the felled tree, but the sycamore and conifer trees will be left for a further 14 days because they do contain nests.

“Our planning approval required removal of the tree.”

Dr Barbara Hammond, one of the key figures, behind the scheme, said the planning application also included a noise survey to make sure that the scheme would be acceptable. A flood contingency plan had been agreed with the Environment Agency, she said.

The West Oxford group behind the Osney Lock scheme say the project will provide enough energy to power 50 homes.

Dr Hammond said: “This scheme will provide clean energy, an educational project showing clean energy in action and income for local community benefit.”