Update: Rubble causes weekend woe for parents

The pit leftoutside Kevin Sells' home in Hartford Close.

Published on 22/03/2013 10:58

A dangerous rubble pit caused a crater of concern for people living in Hemel Hempstead’s Hartcroft Close.

After a tree was removed due to its awkward position in the road, part of a development managed by the Hightown Praetorian housing association, one neighbour has complained that nothing was done to restore the area for three days.

Kevin Sells says it created a safety hazard, as the hole – containing loose bricks, concrete powder and a mountain of rubble – posed a threat to young children from the cul-de-sac.

Kevin lives on the road and has two daughters, aged six and two.

He said: “Everyone knows everyone on this road, and it’s normal for our kids to go and play outside together.

“Luckily the weather means they won’t be doing that but you can’t keep them on a leash, if one of them tripped in it they could have really hurt themselves.

“It is a real inconvenience, and I am cheesed off because nobody is listening to me, it is just like they don’t care.”

Kevin alerted the housing association on Friday, and was told the tree was moved by a contractor working on its behalf, in response to a request from a neighbour.

But the hole was left exposed and without barriers over the weekend.

Hightown Praetorian’s Emma Crump said this was due to the poor weather.

She said: “Given the heavy rain forecast for Friday night and Saturday morning, the contractor judged that concrete laid that day would be washed away. He visited all the houses in the close to let the residents who were home know.”

Kevin added: “I understand them wanting to come back and fill it in later, but at least cordon it off and make it safe. It is just annoying because of my girls. What if one of them was to fall down?”

The contractor revisited the site on Monday and it was filled in on Tuesday, March 19.

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Update: Rubble causes weekend woe for parents

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