Sussex Residential Property – Dug-In Timber Hoarding

Project Overview: SafeSite Facilities was engaged to address issues of public safety and unauthorised access to an empty residential property undergoing repairs. Located on a side street in a residential area in Sussex, the property had become a target for trespassing and illegal entry. The client’s primary concern was preventing public intrusion into the site. Additionally, rubbish had been left outside the property, creating an unsightly and hazardous environment for the local community. A solution was needed that would secure the site, protect the public, and maintain a professional appearance.

 

 

Challenges:

1. Public Intrusion: With the property empty, members of the public were frequently breaking in, posing risks to both themselves and the ongoing works.
2. Hazardous Environment: Rubbish left outside the property made the area unattractive and unsafe, contributing to a negative impact on the local environment.
3. Visibility Concerns: The property was situated in a densely populated residential area, where visibility needed to be restricted to protect both the ongoing works and the public from potential hazards.

 

Solution: SafeSite Facilities provided a robust solution in the form of a 2.4m Dug-In Timber Hoarding, creating a secure perimeter around the property. The hoarding served several key functions:

1. Security: A digi-lock door was installed to allow authorised access while preventing unauthorised entry. The high timber hoarding formed a strong physical barrier, ensuring the public could not easily trespass or enter a potentially dangerous area.
2. Public Safety: By installing the timber hoarding, we ensured the public was protected from the potential hazards of the construction site. The hoarding restricted access to the area, keeping people safe and minimising the risk of accidents.
3. Aesthetic and Community Consideration: The timber hoarding not only provided security but also helped conceal ongoing works, reducing noise and visual disruption to the surrounding community. It helped to maintain the property’s appearance and minimise the impact of the works on the local environment.
4. Enhanced Control: The digi-lock door provided a secure means of access for workers and authorised personnel, ensuring the site remained off-limits to the public while allowing the client to control who entered the premises.

 

Difficulties Encountered:

• Dense Shrubbery: The proposed line for the timber hoarding ran through an area of dense shrubbery, which needed clearing before the site could be properly secured. This added to the initial workload but was necessary for the installation to be completed correctly.
• Location: The property was situated on a side road in a residential neighbourhood in Sussex, requiring careful installation to minimise disruption to the local residents. The site was also highly visible, which required attention to the hoarding’s appearance.
• Appearance: The hoarding was painted in steel blue, a colour chosen to blend in with the residential surroundings and present a clean, professional look that would not detract from the local area.

Conclusion: The installation of the 2.4m dug-in timber hoarding provided an effective solution to the client’s security and safety concerns. By securing the perimeter, the hoarding protected the public from wandering onto the worksite, ensuring they were kept safe from potential hazards. The timber hoarding also concealed the ongoing repairs, reducing disruption to the surrounding community. With the addition of the digi-lock door, authorised access was efficiently controlled, allowing workers to safely enter and exit the site while preventing unauthorised access.

SafeSite Facilities successfully addressed the client’s challenges, contributing to a well-managed and professional site while respecting the concerns of the local community.