Residents have been left pole-axed after builders constructed this massive 30FT scaffolding ‘flyover’ – to avoid walking over a strip of GRASS.
The huge structure has been put up to enable workmen to fix roof tiles at a block of flats.
They built the 60ft long network so materials and men can be shipped to the homes – without walking on a green outside.
But angry neighbours have compared the protruding metal work that cuts across a path to a ‘flyover’ and have labelled it a ‘dangerous eyesore’.
And they have been left stunned after staff revealed it has been put in place to protect a small section of grass on the green.
Builders have since been spotted carrying materials along the structure in Plymouth, Devon, before dumping them, via a tube, into a skip.
The company responsible Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) say the work may take up to six weeks to complete.
But Caroline Pemberton, 52, who can see the 30ft construction from her property next door, said: “It’s an eyesore. I think it’s too far out.
“They only put it up two days ago, but the problem is at night. There are no lights on the path, so we can’t see where we’re walking.
“It’s dark from 4pm. Anyone could easily walk into that scaffolding.”
Mark Renzi, 52, who also lives in the flats: “You cannot see a thing down here when it’s dark and with this scaffolding in the way, it’s only a matter of time before someone walks right into it.
“The street lights are too far away. If they put some lights on top of it, it wouldn’t be so bad.
“I just think it’s ridiculous that they’ve built something that big just to do a bit of roof work to a couple houses.”
The structure has attracted plenty of attention from residents living nearby, but Anna Reeves, 33, whose property is connected to the scaffolding, says she has grown tired of nosey neighbours taking pictures and asking questions.
She said: “I’m not happy about people taking pictures of it and calling it a ‘new flyover’.
“It’s just new tiles done on my roof – nothing major. They’ve only built the scaffolding like this because they can’t drive their vans up onto the greenery.
“It’s just stupid that people are interested in it to tell you the truth.”
John Orr, who is head of regeneration at Plymouth Community Homes, defended the work and said the elevated walkway was the most “practical and safe way” to move rubbish.
“He said: “It also prevents churning up the wide stretch of grass in front of the houses.
“The work is due to be completed to this property within two to three weeks.
“However, we are looking to complete similar works to the adjoining properties utilising the same scaffold system which may extend the completion date by a further four to six weeks.”
The scaffolding mega-structure was completed by Plymouth-based Jem Scaffolding, but no one was available to comment.
A spokesperson for a rival scaffolding firm from Plymouth said: “It looks a bit excessive, but that will be the safest and most efficient way to get the job done.
“It’s built so the workers can transport waste to a skip, and if you didn’t have it they would have to use the regular walkway which could be more dangerous.
“It is big. You’re probably looking at about #2,000 for a structure that size.”
