BIRMINGHAM City Council has now spent more than £700,000 of taxpayers’ money on a set of scaffolding around a disused building.
The authority has lavished more than £12,000 a week on the scaffolding over the past six months to protect Harborne Clock Tower.
The former adult education centre closed last July after a survey revealed it was structurally unsafe due to the council’s failure to undertake maintenance and repairs over many years.
The Mail revealed last month that the council was spending huge sums on the scaffolding. At that point the sum was put at £400,000 but now the cost has been put at £700,000.
Harry Takhar
Harborne resident Harry Takhar, founder of a new political party called Impact, described the cost of the scaffolding as “scandalous”.
Mr Takhar, who contested Edgbaston at last year’s general election, said: “Many people are really concerned and regard this as a complete waste of money. It is unclear why the scaffolding in this case costs so much.
“I put out 300 leaflets about the clock tower and I have been inundated with emails and telephone calls. People are utterly disgusted.”
The council, which may have to make up to 7,000 redundancies to save cash, is now trying to buy the scaffolding around the venue in a bid to cut back on costs.
The Edgbaston constituency committee is conducting a consultation exercise into the future of the building. But it emerged at a city council meeting last week that the authority had not yet put the building up for sale.
Via: www.birminghammail.net
A COMPANY director admitted four offenses in relation to his scaffolding company that has been wound up.Alan Emery, 51, pleaded guilty to two allegations of fraudulently withdrawing vehicles in anticipation of the winding up of A&A Scaffolding and one each of using a prohibited company name and one of making material omissions in a statement.
Emery, of Vermont Road, Southampton, will be sentenced at the city crown court on February 11.
Keely Harvey, defending, said Emery had essentially buried his head in the sand and ignored phone calls and messages from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
Via: www.dailyecho.co.uk
A PENSIONER had to be freed from her car last night after crashing into scaffolding surrounding a house in Finchley.
Police sealed off the area around the semi-detached house on the corner of Lynton Avenue and Mayfield Avenue at 7.30pm while they worked to free the 78-year-old, as they thought the scaffolding could collapse onto the car at any time.
The road was closed for two hours as police worked to contact the owner of the house, who was not at home. Officers who freed the woman from her ordeal said she was “very shaken”.
Via: www.times-series.co.uk
THE sector skills council and industry training board for the construction industry, CITB-ConstructionSkills, is urging SMEs in the NorthEast to consider the business benefits of taking on an apprentice.
And it is sending out a clear message – recruiting talent now is essential if we are to avoid the skills shortages the industry has seen in the past.
Ezee Scaffolding Ltd, based in North Tyneside, has not only continued to invest in its existing staff, it has also expanded its workforce, strengthening its market position in advance of the upturn.
Managing director Neil Allan oversees 40 employees and five CITB-ConstructionSkills apprentices and believes that young trainees not only help with the business at the moment, but help shape its future.
He said: “We want to be able to mould them to be our future. We are an innovative company wanting to work with innovative people who can help bring this ethos forward.
“We feel that apprentices bring something fresh to the industry and enhance our company; they’re our future. In five years’ time they will be our managers and our supervisors.”
Neil ensures that his workforce get good quality training, as normal, in key areas that will benefit the business.
He said: “We invest in training quite heavily. I believe that investing in training your workforce will give you a return.
“It is seen as a key part of our business. You need to consider what your business will get out of it but you also need to make some sort of investment; not everything is for free. It teaches everyone new skills, which in turn could go on to help us win more work.”
Although Neil has seen the downturn’s effects on Ezee Scaffolding Ltd, he acknowledges that the key is to keep looking forward.
He added: “There have been some ups and downs, including quieter periods but it’s all about planning ahead. We’re fortunate not to have had to lay anyone off.”
Neil is positive about the future of Ezee Scaffolding Ltd because his workforce is training in areas that will benefit his business.
“We see trainees as our next generation,” he said. “We’re happy to invest in training, because the way we see it is if we enhance their skills, they will enhance our company, simple as that.”
With 40 years of experience in the industry, CITB-ConstructionSkills is the UK’s largest supplier of construction apprentices. Some 81% of CITB-ConstructionSkills apprentices finish their apprenticeship, and employers and apprentices will be supported by a dedicated apprenticeship officer.
With advisors based around the UK, CITB-ConstructionSkills provides training advice, products and services, including grants, to help construction firms of all sizes.
CITB-ConstructionSkills is working to deliver a safe, professional and fully-qualified construction workforce. Take advantage to support you and your business, particularly during the downturn, and don’t miss out on opportunities to help your company grow.
For more information on how CITB-ConstructionSkills can help your business grow, go to www.cskills.orgVia: www.nebusiness.co.uk and www.cskills.org
INDUSTRIAL services group Pyeroy has made two acquisitions to expand its geographical base and its range of capabilities.Pyeroy's MD
The Gateshead-based business, which employs around 1,000 people, has bought £3m turnover Irish company CEI for an undisclosed sum and also acquired the scaffolding assets and a number of ongoing contracts from Teesside-based Spectrum Access Ltd, which was in receivership.
CEI, based in Cork, is an electrical instrumentation and data communications engineering contractor which has customers including Pepsi and pharmaceutical giants GlaxoSmith Kline and Pfizer.
Pyeroy’s managing director Hugh Pelham said: “This is a key strategic acquisition for us in an important geographical market.
“CEI is a well-established business and the new arrangements will enhance the range of services available from Pyeroy in Ireland and the UK industrial services market.”
CEI’s managing director Derek Byrne will join the Pyeroy board and will be responsible for all of its operations in Ireland.
Byrne said: “We’re delighted with the acquisition as it provides us with the ability to supply a range of alternative solutions to customers in difficult economic times.”
CEI’s team will be integrated into Pyeroy’s services, which operate across the industrial, construction and marine sectors and include insulation, civil engineering/building works and environmental management services such as asbestos removal.
Pyeroy’s services also include contract scaffolding hire and equipment hire, which is where the second acquisition comes in.
The company bought the assets of Stockton-based Spectrum out of receivership from accountants Tait Walker and has taken on a number of contracts Spectrum was handling.
The acquisition will support several private and public sector contracts regionally and nationally, including Royal Navy ship refits and the construction of the next generation of aircraft carriers.
It won the painting and scaffolding contract for the new Royal Navy supercarriers in 2009 in a joint venture with Cape.
Pyeroy, which has a £58m turnover, is also known for work on Britain’s landmark bridges. It won the contract last year to repaint Tower Bridge ahead of next year’s London Olympics and has also refurbished the Forth Road Bridge.
Via: www.nebusiness.co.uk
With the recent success for the S.C.C.R for obtaining an extension of 12 months for the ECITB scaffolders registration scheme we take a look at who the S.C.C.R are.Scaffolders Confederation for Consultation Rights the S.C.C.R are a industry body formed by scaffolders for scaffolders in order to give a voice. The SCCR is a non profit making organisation run by scaffolders for scaffolders it has a democratically elected committee with yearly elections. The SCCR are constantly evolving, listening to the issues that concern scaffolders. The committee members are all currently working within the Scaffolding Industry with first hand experience, ranging from scaffolders on the tools to management. There aim for 2011 is to unite the Industry & get the skills back. Scaffolding is a skilled trade and the SCCR feels it needs to recognised for that.
Why Was The S.C.C.R Formed ?
The SCCR was formed by a group of regular contributors to a online forum for scaffolders as the forum evolved and the membership grew, a common theme began to appear. The major stake holder in the access industry the “scaffolder” had no cohesive voice within the various industry bodies. Members of this online forum decided to form a confederation to voice the working man as well as the small to medium companies. They felt important industry initiatives in training and health and safety were being implemented without any input from the scaffolders having to work in complacence with the initiatives.
What’s The Aim Of The S.C.C.R ?
The aim of the SCCR is to work with Industry bodies offering input and feedback on the latest ACOPs. One major issue which helped spark the formation of the SCCR was the planned withdraw of the ECITB scaffolders registration scheme at the end of 2010, without any contingencies in place to fast track ECITB scaffolders into the CISRS scheme at a level appropriate to the individuals skill and industry experience.
To date after representations to the UNITE union and the ECITB by the SCCR a meeting was held on the 7th 0f October 2010 , in attendance were representatives of the CISRS, ECITB, UNITE and the National Committee for Construction. Without the pressure from the SCCR this meeting would never have taken place. It was agreed by all parties that the ECITB scaffolders registration scheme will now be extended until December 2011.
The SCCR have also arranged a meeting with the CISRS, at which the withdrawal of the ECITB scaffolders register will top the agenda for early 2011.
The SCCR also feels that the CISRS scheme needs an overhaul. The skills are being lost from the Industry, tickets being given out with little or no experience in the industry sectors. The SCCR feel scaffolding should be viewed as four sectors with training reflecting this.
· Domestic
· Industrial
· Specialist
· Offshore
Another issue of concern to the SCCR membership is the recent implementation of SG4:10, in particular the “scaff step” and the associated hazards arising from daily use, At a recent meeting with the HSE arranged by the SCCR concerns where raised and noted by the HSE also in attendance was a member of the NASC SG4: Working Party, it was agreed by all in attendance to monitor and review “scaff step” use at future planned meetings.
The SCCR are also looking into new technology in relation to the power spanner & advanced tunnelling rails. They are also along with an industry supplier trialling new technology in ties & fixings
In a short space of time the SCCR has opened lines of communication to the HSE, NASC, CISRS, ECITB , CITB , and UNITE the union , as there membership continues to steadily grow the access industry policy makers are now starting to take the SCCR seriously and valuing the input from the SCCR committee & its members on issues that directly affect scaffolders .
They welcome individuals, companies & suppliers to the scaffolding Industry as members.
Check them out today and join the SCCR the “scaffolders voice” www.thesccr.org.uk
A Co Armagh scaffolding firm has diversified into stadium rock to build the VIP stand for a Kings of Leon gig at Slane Castle.Kings of leon
McCrory Scaffolding in Craigavon will supply and put up the 2,300 seater VIP grandstand for the much anticipated concert at the Co Meath venue on May 28.
Around 80,000 tickets sold out for the gig in 40 minutes when they went on sale in November.
Managing director Patrick McCrory said diversification will be the key to protecting jobs at the company and ensuring future growth in a difficult economic climate.
“Traditionally we would have operated in the scaffolding and industrial services sectors, with a lot of smaller projects such as on-street scaffolding for private property builds.
“Event services is a new direction for us and although we have already completed some smaller projects in this sector, the Kings of Leon concert will be the first contract on this scale.
“Slane is one of the top music events in Ireland so it’s an exciting opportunity.”
Around 15 to 20 employees will be involved, and it’s anticipated some new staff will be taken on.
The company has also gained three new long-term contracts worth around £2.5m in total.
It will provide scaffolding and industrial cleaning for the ESB Moneyport station in Co Clare, scaffolding for ESB Aghada in Co Cork and also scaffolding for British Sugar in Peterborough in England.
Mr McCrory said: “These contracts are between one and three years, so as well as ensuring job security, it contributes to the local economy.”
Source: Belfast Telegraph
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Industrial services company Harsco Corp. said Friday it has two new orders worth $9 million to provide insulation services and scaffolding for a new refinery under construction in the Netherlands.
Harsco said the services are for the new Shell refinery located near Pernis, Netherlands.
The new plant, designed to produce ultra-low-sulfur fuel, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The new order furthers Harsco’s ongoing role at the plant, where Harsco has been providing onsite scaffolding, insulation and painting services for the past several decades.
Shell Pernis will be the largest refinery in Europe and one of the world’s largest.
Harsco said it also has orders to supply scaffolding and insulation services for the construction of 15 new commercial storage tanks this year at the Vopak terminal in Vlaardingen, Netherlands. The facility handles and stores oleochemicals and vegetable oils, a key component in the making of biofuels and other uses.
Harsco shares fell 28 cents to $31.69 in afternoon trading.
Source: Bloomberg
A man who allegedly attacked and injured three people with a Samurai sword has appeared in court.
Scaffolder Paul Qualey was arrested after an incident near the Sheerness clocktower early on New Year’s Day.
The 25-year-old appeared at Sittingbourne Magistrates’ Court today charged with affray and possessing an offensive weapon.
He withheld his plea and will next appear before the bench on March 9 for committal proceedings to crown court.
Presiding magistrate Shelagh L’hermette set him a new curfew time, lasting from 10pm till 5am.
He will be electronically tagged.
The court heard he is accused of attacking three people – one a woman – with a short Samurai sword.
Paramedics called to the scene about at 2.50am treated them for injuries which included cuts to their hands.
Prosecuting counsel said one of the victims also had “serious cuts to his foot”.
Defending, Pat Cuffe asked the magistrates to enter a change of address for Qualey, whose home was initially given as Wood Street, Sheerness, where he had been staying until recently.
He has since been reunited with his partner and is living with her in nearby Beach Street.
Mrs L’hermette accepted the new change of address while imposing the new curfew restrictions which will allow Qualey more flexibility with his work commitments.
Mr Cuffe told magistrates: “Mr Qualey is highly thought of by his company.”
He added: “We don’t accept the police version of events at all.”
Source: Kent online
The scene at the construction site of the new swimming pool at Millgate in WiganTHIS was the dramatic scene in Wigan town centre when a fork-lift truck toppled over and crashed into scaffolding.
Miraculously, nobody was injured after a Pegasus rotating truck fell sideways from uneven ground onto the scaffolding of the South Life Centre site, where the new swimming pool complex is intended to be.
An investigation has now been launched into what happened.
Worried onlookers had gathered around Millgate when Morgan Sindall employees arrived to assess the damage, yesterday morning. One shopper said: “I first drove past and saw all these men looking at some machinery.
“Then later on, I walked past again and there were a lot more men there, there might have been about 40 of them. They all seemed to be looking at this piece of machinery which I thought looked like a crane, it had fallen onto the scaffolding.
“Lots of people who were walking past had gathered to see what all the commotion was about. It was a miracle that nobody was hurt, it looked quite dangerous.”
Source: Wigantoday.net
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A COMPANY director admitted four offenses in relation to his scaffolding company that has been wound up.
Alan Emery, 51, pleaded guilty to two allegations of fraudulently withdrawing vehicles in anticipation of the winding up of A&A Scaffolding and one each of using a prohibited company name and one of making material omissions in a statement.
Emery, of Vermont Road, Southampton, will be sentenced at the city crown court on February 11.
Keely Harvey, defending, said Emery had essentially buried his head in the sand and ignored phone calls and messages from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
Via: 
THE sector skills council and industry training board for the construction industry, CITB-ConstructionSkills, is urging SMEs in the NorthEast to consider the business benefits of taking on an apprentice.
And it is sending out a clear message – recruiting talent now is essential if we are to avoid the skills shortages the industry has seen in the past.
Ezee Scaffolding Ltd, based in North Tyneside, has not only continued to invest in its existing staff, it has also expanded its workforce, strengthening its market position in advance of the upturn.
Managing director Neil Allan oversees 40 employees and five CITB-ConstructionSkills apprentices and believes that young trainees not only help with the business at the moment, but help shape its future.
He said: “We want to be able to mould them to be our future. We are an innovative company wanting to work with innovative people who can help bring this ethos forward.
“We feel that apprentices bring something fresh to the industry and enhance our company; they’re our future. In five years’ time they will be our managers and our supervisors.”
Neil ensures that his workforce get good quality training, as normal, in key areas that will benefit the business.
He said: “We invest in training quite heavily. I believe that investing in training your workforce will give you a return.
“It is seen as a key part of our business. You need to consider what your business will get out of it but you also need to make some sort of investment; not everything is for free. It teaches everyone new skills, which in turn could go on to help us win more work.”
Although Neil has seen the downturn’s effects on Ezee Scaffolding Ltd, he acknowledges that the key is to keep looking forward.
He added: “There have been some ups and downs, including quieter periods but it’s all about planning ahead. We’re fortunate not to have had to lay anyone off.”
Neil is positive about the future of Ezee Scaffolding Ltd because his workforce is training in areas that will benefit his business.
“We see trainees as our next generation,” he said. “We’re happy to invest in training, because the way we see it is if we enhance their skills, they will enhance our company, simple as that.”
With 40 years of experience in the industry, CITB-ConstructionSkills is the UK’s largest supplier of construction apprentices. Some 81% of CITB-ConstructionSkills apprentices finish their apprenticeship, and employers and apprentices will be supported by a dedicated apprenticeship officer.
With advisors based around the UK, CITB-ConstructionSkills provides training advice, products and services, including grants, to help construction firms of all sizes.
CITB-ConstructionSkills is working to deliver a safe, professional and fully-qualified construction workforce. Take advantage to support you and your business, particularly during the downturn, and don’t miss out on opportunities to help your company grow.
For more information on how CITB-ConstructionSkills can help your business grow, go to 
Scaffolders Confederation for Consultation Rights the S.C.C.R are a industry body formed by scaffolders for scaffolders in order to give a voice. The SCCR is a non profit making organisation run by scaffolders for scaffolders it has a democratically elected committee with yearly elections. The SCCR are constantly evolving, listening to the issues that concern scaffolders. The committee members are all currently working within the Scaffolding Industry with first hand experience, ranging from scaffolders on the tools to management. There aim for 2011 is to unite the Industry & get the skills back. Scaffolding is a skilled trade and the SCCR feels it needs to recognised for that.
Why Was The S.C.C.R Formed ?
The SCCR was formed by a group of regular contributors to a online forum for scaffolders as the forum evolved and the membership grew, a common theme began to appear. The major stake holder in the access industry the “scaffolder” had no cohesive voice within the various industry bodies. Members of this online forum decided to form a confederation to voice the working man as well as the small to medium companies. They felt important industry initiatives in training and health and safety were being implemented without any input from the scaffolders having to work in complacence with the initiatives.
What’s The Aim Of The S.C.C.R ?
The aim of the SCCR is to work with Industry bodies offering input and feedback on the latest ACOPs. One major issue which helped spark the formation of the SCCR was the planned withdraw of the ECITB scaffolders registration scheme at the end of 2010, without any contingencies in place to fast track ECITB scaffolders into the CISRS scheme at a level appropriate to the individuals skill and industry experience.
To date after representations to the UNITE union and the ECITB by the SCCR a meeting was held on the 7th 0f October 2010 , in attendance were representatives of the CISRS, ECITB, UNITE and the National Committee for Construction. Without the pressure from the SCCR this meeting would never have taken place. It was agreed by all parties that the ECITB scaffolders registration scheme will now be extended until December 2011.
The SCCR have also arranged a meeting with the CISRS, at which the withdrawal of the ECITB scaffolders register will top the agenda for early 2011.
The SCCR also feels that the CISRS scheme needs an overhaul. The skills are being lost from the Industry, tickets being given out with little or no experience in the industry sectors. The SCCR feel scaffolding should be viewed as four sectors with training reflecting this.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Industrial services company Harsco Corp. said Friday it has two new orders worth $9 million to provide insulation services and scaffolding for a new refinery under construction in the Netherlands.
Harsco said the services are for the new Shell refinery located near Pernis, Netherlands.
The new plant, designed to produce ultra-low-sulfur fuel, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The new order furthers Harsco’s ongoing role at the plant, where Harsco has been providing onsite scaffolding, insulation and painting services for the past several decades.
Shell Pernis will be the largest refinery in Europe and one of the world’s largest.
Harsco said it also has orders to supply scaffolding and insulation services for the construction of 15 new commercial storage tanks this year at the Vopak terminal in Vlaardingen, Netherlands. The facility handles and stores oleochemicals and vegetable oils, a key component in the making of biofuels and other uses.
Harsco shares fell 28 cents to $31.69 in afternoon trading.
Source: Bloomberg 
