Scaffolding in Ware

What is special about scaffolding in Ware?

Ware is an old town on the River Lea, and the centre is made of narrow streets, tight yards and buildings that have been altered many times. Former maltings, inns and warehouses stand beside Georgian fronts and Victorian terraces. Much of the centre is a conservation area. Further out are post-war estates and newer housing, and the villages around, including Stanstead Abbotts, have older cottages and farmhouses.

Narrow streets and small plots make the layout of a scaffold a puzzle.

Where does the scaffold stand?

Many central streets have houses that open straight onto the pavement, so a front scaffold often sits on the public highway and needs a licence from Hertfordshire County Council. Some lanes are so narrow that closing part of one takes careful planning, so ask the scaffolder early whether a licence will be needed.

Behind the High Street are long, thin yards and gardens, often reached through a passage or a shared gate. Scaffold poles and boards have to be carried in by hand, so describe the access in your enquiry.

Which jobs are common?

Chimney stacks on older terraces and cottages need rebuilding or repointing, and roofs of old clay tile or slate are repaired or replaced. Rear extensions and loft conversions are popular on Victorian terraces. Riverside buildings may need a scaffold set up with care on soft or sloping ground, and village barn conversions can be tall, with unusual rooflines.

What about listed and conservation area buildings?

Ware has many listed buildings and a conservation area at its heart. The scaffold is temporary, but repair work, and the way ties are fixed, may need consent if your building is listed or in a conservation area. Check with East Herts Council before you book.

Tell the scaffolder if old brick or plaster is crumbling, because it affects where ties can be fixed.

Do I need to talk to the neighbours?

On a street of terraces, nearly always. The scaffold may cross a party boundary, and walkways between the houses are often shared. You also need to agree it with anyone who has rights of way over your yard.

Who is responsible for safety?

The scaffolder, who has to have the scaffold inspected before it is used, at least every seven days, and after storms or damage. Tell them if anything seems loose.

How do I enquire?

Send us your postcode, the job and a note on access.