Residents and business owners in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, are experiencing a prolonged disruption due to extensive scaffolding that has obstructed their properties for over a year. The scaffolding, installed by the property firm Leathbond, is located near the set of the BBC soap opera EastEnders and has been criticized for its prolonged presence and the financial strain it has placed on the local community.
Leathbond, a company with substantial net assets, had its permit to keep the scaffolding extended, with a timeline of three years granted to even begin the necessary work. This decision comes despite documented instances of residents suffering injuries and business owners reporting significant losses in footfall and revenue.
Komar Tourachi, owner of Nza Food Store, took over his premises just before the scaffolding was erected. He has been unable to change the shop's sign or extend his canopy, which has led to produce rotting in the sun. Tourachi reported losing between £2,000 and £3,000 weekly due to spoiled stock. Furthermore, his quarterly service charges have increased from £1,500 to £6,177, a more than fourfold increase. "I really don't know what to do," Tourachi stated, fearing that prolonged disruption could lead to business closures.
Another business owner, Ildiko Szocs-Dee, co-owner of Crystal Salt Cave, has seen her quarterly service charges jump from £600 to £2,400. She reported a drastic drop in customer traffic since the scaffolding covered her shop sign, with older customers mistakenly believing the business was undergoing noisy construction. Szocs-Dee indicated that her protests against the scaffolding have been ignored by Leathbond.
Residents living in the flats above the affected businesses are also facing increased financial burdens and obstructed views. Mark Edwards, a leaseholder, noted that his service charges have risen from approximately £500 to around £6,000 annually, making it impossible to sell his property. He described the situation as having "drained my savings" and eroded trust in the company. Residents on the second floor are also dealing with ongoing issues and additional charges related to a collapsed external staircase, which has been replaced by a temporary installation.
The scaffolding has also created navigation challenges and safety concerns for residents, including those with mobility issues. Uneven wooden bases supporting the metal rods have reportedly caused trips and falls. Sarah Keys highlighted that her son, who has cerebral palsy, has tripped multiple times on the scaffolding, causing him embarrassment.
Local council members have expressed frustration with the situation. Dan Ozarow, a member of the town's council, criticized the local administration for granting Leathbond three years to commence work. He questioned why the scaffolding has remained for so long without progress, suggesting that the company is delaying work until all payments are collected. A representative from Hertsmere Council, Paul Richards, has labeled Ozarow's campaign as "fake."
Hertfordshire County Council, which extended the scaffolding license, stated that the extension was necessary due to incomplete work and the risk of falling cladding. Leathbond and Hertsmere Council were contacted for comment.