Vandalism and trespassing continue to plague a derelict town centre building as the wait goes on for a 24-storey tower to be built in its place.
Photos show that even more windows have been smashed at the former TJX and Sun Alliance offices in Clarendon Road, Watford, while one resident reported seeing several teenagers on the roof in the middle of the day on Saturday (September 28).
Fencing erected around the site also appears to have been moved out of the way in multiple places.
new housing development on the site, which would provide 247 rented homes in towers measuring five, seven, 17, and 24 storeys-tall.
The former TJX offices have sat empty for years while plans were in the works for aIn that time, the building has suffered graffiti, broken windows and even a fire in May which saw Hertfordshire Police rescue “a number of young people” from the ground floor.
In August, three teenage girls were also pictured walking on the roof before ducking down out of sight, while two boys were also spotted climbing on bins and over a fence to the side of the buildings to gain entry.
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A police spokesperson said efforts are continuing to try to reduce antisocial behaviour in the area and officers are working with Watford Borough Council and the building owner to “strengthen the perimeter of the site”.
The force has held meetings with the building owners and a security contractor visited to strengthen the fences since May.
Although the developers had hoped to start work on the scheme by 2023, it was delayed after it was rejected by Watford Borough Council in 2022.
The scheme was given the green light upon appeal in 2023 by the planning inspectorate, and further amendments were approved in March to bring the development in line with new fire safety regulations.
Watford Borough Council and Vedose Ltd have been contacted for more information.
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