Construction work resumes in Lemsford Road

Construction work has begun again on the affordable housing development in Lemsford Road, Hatfield, after the original development was destroyed by suspected arson in August.

The plans for the housing element of the site, which consists of 84 one and two bedroom flats for rent and shared ownership, have remained unchanged and it is expected that construction will be completed by December 2008, with the homes ready to occupy during 2009.

Improved security measures have been introduced at the site. A Security Guard and dog will patrol the site during silent hours, when construction workers are not present, until May 2008 when the timber frame will be fully clad. After this date CCTV will be used to monitor the site during silent hours. Razor wire has been installed along the top of the hoardings to deter would-be intruders from climbing over, and 20ft high catch nets will be installed along the rear hoardings to prevent any objects being thrown into the site.

Cllr Roger Trigg, Executive Member for Housing, said: “It is encouraging news that construction work has started again, as properties in the borough are very much in demand. The project was recognised by the Housing Corporation as an “exemplar” regeneration project which is testimony to the hard work and innovation of officers working for the council and the strength and success of our partnership with Metropolitan Housing Partnership. We are eagerly awaiting the completion of what we will be a very successful part of the regeneration of Hatfield town centre.”

Life has also returned to normal for residents of Lemsford Road whose homes were affected by the fire in August.

Read the full story in the press release