<b>NorthCountry takeover</b><p></p><p> Country &amp;&amp; Metropolitan has completed its purchase of regional housebuilder NorthCountry Homes for &amp;£14 million. NorthCountry operates from Nottingham to Newcastle, east of the Pennines.</p><p><b>Site visitors&amp;’ card</b></p><p> Third parties visiting construction sites - such as delivery drivers, journalists and local authority officials - can now get easier access by obtaining a new CSCS card. The Visitor&amp;’s Card will be issued after the applicant has passed a basic health and safety test.</p><p><b>Water pollution control</b></p><p> A new CIRIA guide to good practice in relation to controlling water pollution on site has been published. The construction industry has the highest number of significant pollution incidents in England and Wales. The guide (SP156) costs &amp;£180 plus VAT from CIRIA on 020 7222 8891.</p><p><br> </p><p></p>