A 400-foot-long scaffolding structure erected by property firm Leathbond has caused over a year of disruption for businesses and residents in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, a town known for its film and television production facilities. The scaffolding, intended to address loose cladding, has been extended, with Leathbond granted three years to commence the necessary work, despite ongoing complaints and alleged financial hardship.
Komar Tourachi, owner of Nza Food Store, took over his premises a month before the scaffolding was installed. He reported that the structure blocks his shop sign and prevents him from extending a £15,000 canopy, which previously protected produce displayed outside. This has led to daily losses of £2,000 to £3,000 as fruits and vegetables rot due to sun exposure. Tourachi also noted a significant increase in his quarterly service charges, from £1,500 to £6,177, compounding his financial strain.
"I really don't know what to do," Tourachi stated. "If I don't display anything outside then the shop would close because I cannot bring the customers in."
Similar issues are faced by Ildiko Szocs-Dee, co-owner of Crystal Salt Cave, a relaxation therapy business. Her shop sign is obscured, leading to a drastic drop in customer traffic, with older patrons mistakenly believing the business is undergoing noisy construction. Szocs-Dee’s service charges have quadrupled from £600 to £2,400 per quarter, in addition to her rent and business rates. She described Leathbond as having "ignored everything" she and other business owners have protested.
Residents in the flats above the businesses are also affected. Leaseholder Mark Edwards reported that his service charges have increased from approximately £500 to £6,000 annually, making it impossible to sell his two-bedroom flat. He expressed that these charges have "drained my savings" and eroded trust in the company.
Residents have also reported difficulties navigating the scaffolding, with uneven wooden blocks beneath the metal rods causing trips and falls. Sarah Keys highlighted that her son, Riley, who has cerebral palsy, has repeatedly tripped over the scaffolding, causing him distress and embarrassment. The scaffolding has also obscured the local bus shelter, and some protective foam on the metal rods has deteriorated.
Leathbond, a company with net assets exceeding £1 billion, has stated that work will not commence until residents and businesses pay increased service charges. Hertfordshire County Council, which extended the scaffolding license, cited the risk of falling cladding as the reason for the extension. Representatives for Leathbond and Hertsmere Council were contacted for comment.