SHAC@Hyde has forced Hyde Housing to relocate scaffolding after the danger to children, residents and pedestrians was exposed here.
We understand that the landlord is now moving the structure to the rear of the building. A safer and less accessible location. The story was posted on our news feed after concerned residents from the estate contacted SHAC.
Kids on Roof Not a Worry
Residents condemned Hyde for a cavalier and dismissive attitude toward the safety and security of children, residents and pedestrians. They had initially contacted the landlord about children climbing onto the roof of their four-storey tower blocks via scaffolding the landlord was responsible for erecting.
The situation was “an accident waiting to happen” according to residents, but the landlord showed little concern when alerted, nor any compulsion to address the hazards proactively. They refused to move the scaffolding and told residents to let police deal with the issue, demonstrating total disregard for the safety and security of all concerned.
Leaseholder Louise (not her real name) explained:
“anyone climbing the scaffolding – and this is very easy to do because it has been erected near a low wall – can easily gain access to the roof”.
Louise – Hyde Resident
Residents photographed the children climbing on the roof above their homes fearing for the children who were clearly at risk of falling from the scaffold or the roof itself.
The children were seen throwing pebbles at pedestrians, heightening concerns that someone would suffer a serious – if not fatal – injury. There was also a security risk for tenants and residents; anyone wanting to gain unauthorised access to the flats could easily do so via the roof.
A Nice Little Earner
The scaffold was erected so that contractors could repair leaks, but work has not yet started although the structure has been in place for a month. Contrary to good practice, there is no alarm on the scaffold.
One member pointed out that the practice of erecting scaffolding and leaving it for long periods has been going on for some time, and indeed other Hyde estates in the area still have similar structures in place although no repair work is being done. The cost of hiring the scaffolding is added to tenant and resident service charges.
SHAC@Hyde – Fighting for Improvements
SHAC@Hyde meets monthly to discuss issues with the landlord and develop campaigns to address them. We are particularly concerned about extortionate service charging by Hyde. All meetings are advertised on the Events page. To join the group and receive an invitation, please register with SHAC here.
5 October 2021
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.