Scaffolding in Hoddesdon and Broxbourne

What are the buildings like in Hoddesdon and Broxbourne?

Hoddesdon grew up as a market town on the old road north, and its High Street still has older buildings with flats or offices above shops. Around the centre are Victorian and Edwardian terraces, followed by large areas of interwar and post-war houses, many of them semi-detached with side passages and rear extensions. Broxbourne itself is smaller and quieter, with cottages and older houses near the river and the New River, and more recent estates beyond.

Further out, Wormley and the roads towards the woods have larger plots where a scaffold has room to go up in the garden.

Where does the scaffold usually stand?

That depends on the street. On a 1930s semi with a front drive or garden, the scaffold stays on your own land and no highway licence is needed. On the terraces closer to the High Street, and above shops, the front wall may meet the pavement directly. Any scaffold that stands on the pavement or road needs a licence, and in the borough of Broxbourne the application goes to Broxbourne Borough Council rather than Hertfordshire County Council, as the county's scaffolding licence page explains.

With flats above High Street shops, several people can share an interest in the same wall or roof, so leaseholders should find out who is responsible before asking for scaffolding.

Which jobs come up most often?

Roof and chimney repairs on older houses are common, as are gutters and fascias on the interwar estates, where long runs of eaves suit a scaffold along the whole front. Loft and rear extension projects usually need one for several weeks. Shops and small units may need access for signs, cladding or parapet repairs.

Is anything worth checking before work starts?

Parts of the older centres are conservation areas, and some buildings are listed. The scaffold is temporary, but the repair it serves may need consent. Ask Broxbourne Borough Council before you book if your home is old.

Tell the scaffolder if there is a pond, an outbuilding or a steep drop close to the wall, particularly in riverside gardens.

Who looks after the scaffold's safety?

The scaffolder, who designs it, puts it up and has it inspected before first use, at least every seven days after that, and after anything that could affect it, such as a storm. Please do not move boards or ties yourself.

How do I enquire?

Give us your postcode, a description of the job and where the scaffold would stand.