A woman feared scaffolding from roofing that took five times as long as expected might trap her in her home if there was a fire.

Watford Community Housing contractor Equans was due to carry out 15 days’ work at Ann Akubue’s house in Thorpe Crescent over the summer.

But the scaffolding was finally taken down 75 days later – and Mrs Akubue claims workmen damaged parts of her home.

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Problems began when work began on July 6, five days earlier than Mrs Akubue had been told it would in a letter.

She said: “I rushed to the back garden to move all my plant pots.

“In my rush to make everything safe, I tripped and fell, bruising my toes.”

Watford Observer: The scaffolding was placed over the windows meaning they could not fully open. Picture: Ann AkubueThe scaffolding was placed over the windows meaning they could not fully open. Picture: Ann Akubue (Image: Ann Akubue)

During the project, Mrs Akubue claimed that the way the scaffolding was placed made her house a fire hazard.

She said: “The scaffolding was erected in such a way that none of the bedroom windows could be fully opened.

Watford Observer: Ann Akubue. Picture: Ann AkubueAnn Akubue. Picture: Ann Akubue (Image: Ann Akubue)

“Eventually the scaffolding to the rear was taken down, but I promise you, I have endured 48 days of getting up two to three times in the night to check for fire.”

After more than two months of poles and planking around her house, the householder felt the project had reached an unhappy milestone.

She said: “I tied a birthday card to it when it reached 65 days”.   

Watford Observer: Mrs Akubue tied a birthday card to the scaffolding when it had been up for 65 days. Picture: Ann AkubueMrs Akubue tied a birthday card to the scaffolding when it had been up for 65 days. Picture: Ann Akubue (Image: Ann Akubue)

The scaffolding was taken down on Friday, September 9, but Mrs Akubue says parts of the home including the air vents and the lean to were left damaged.

Watford Observer: Mrs Akubue claimed the workmen caused damage to the lean to and air vents. Picture: Ann AkubueMrs Akubue claimed the workmen caused damage to the lean to and air vents. Picture: Ann Akubue (Image: Ann Akubue)

Mrs Akubue has now called for Watford Community Housing to repair and pay for the damage.

A Watford Community Housing spokesperson said it is sorry to hear about concerns over the work and has raised the issue with the contractor.

They added: “We have also reached out to Mrs Akubue and we will work with her to address each of these concerns directly.”

Equans has been approached for a response.

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