Roofing repairs to military housing in Moray will cease after concerns were raised about contractors travelling from outside the north-east to do the work.
Crews have been seen on scaffolding erected around homes in Lossiemouth this week, with staff staying at local hotels.
Concerns have, however, been raised by the community that the work is not essential at a time people have been advised to limit travel to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Ans yesterday it was confirmed the re-roofing work being done by Amey will stop once properties have been made secure.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I’m pleased the MoD has listened to these concerns and agreed it is not necessary for contractors to be working on married quarters given the current restrictions in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: “The MoD needs to give a clear and detailed outline of what works are continuing so the community knows exactly what is going on, and so they can be assured that workers will no longer be moving in and out of the area to work on MoD projects.
“Assurances are needed that all non-essential construction and maintenance work, both sides of the wire, will be stopped until restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus are lifted.”
In a letter, Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said senior MoD officials had reviewed the project to determine if it was essential.
He added: “Following this review, Amey has been instructed to cease work on the roofing project.
“Any properties where re-roofing work has begun will be completed and the site will be made safe. This will take a few days and so Amey staff will continue to be on site.
“However, I can assure you that Amey staff are fully aware of the rules regarding social distancing and that this must be adhered to at all times.”
Mr Heappey said work to resurface the runway at RAF Lossiemouth would continue due to it being an “essential defence project”.
Social distancing measures remain in effect.