Work on a new doctors' surgery is "anticipated" to start within three months - despite the site having already been fenced off for a year.
The spot in Tolpits Lane near the Holywell Estate has annoyed some people with mobility issues with one complaining it makes reaching the shops harder.
It has also emerged the fencing will be there for "approximately a year" after works eventually start - with a completion date "subject to weather conditions".
The site was boarded off as part of plans to demolish the existing Holywell Surgery and build a replacement along with new residential flats.
A spokesperson for Architects Corporation, which is in charge of the project, told the Watford Observer: "We anticipate works to the replacement doctors' surgery will start within the next three months and the site fencing will be removed after approximately twelve months of site works starting, with a final completion date subject to weather conditions."
One man with mobility issues, who wished to be unnamed, expressed his frustration as body pains make it difficult for him to make his way around the fencing.
He claims he tried to contact Architects Corporation but failed to hear back.
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The man has lived on the estate all his life and claims it’s “insulting to people” to not be kept in the loop on the progress and when the development will be complete.
Architects has explained that the fencing “enabled site investigation work to be carried out without any risk to the general public”.
The spokesperson said that closing off the site enabled large ground drilling machines and drain investigation works to be carried out safely at the beginning of the month.
They added: “We look forward to providing West Watford with a state-of-the-art doctors surgery in a safe and thoughtful manner to all local residents.”
Various plans for a new facility and new flats have been circulating for years after initial applications were put forward in 2017.
READ MORE: Plans to replace doctor's surgery with block of flats submitted
Further applications have since been submitted and in 2021 conditional planning permission was granted for eight new flats, a replacement doctors' surgery and a new dental surgery.
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