Bollards International, the Norfolk-based company at the forefront of the manufacture of polymer street furniture, is working alongside local authorities which have traditionally used wood for their street furniture.
Considering this material to be a gentle, natural and more stylish option, and acknowledging the aesthetic qualities of wood, (which is indeed beautiful when new), these authorities are nevertheless considering a more modern approach.
The principal drawback to wooden street furniture is its susceptibility to the environment. Curb side markers, bollards and post and rail have to withstand the daily rigours of an increasingly heavy traffic flow, and if in physical contact with passing vehicles, will inevitably be the loser! It is also well-nigh impossible, in the long term, to protect wood against the weather. Wood rots, and needs regular and intensive upkeep to retain its good looks.
Bollards International manufactures a range of polyurethane street furniture from recycled materials, which is able to masquerade as wood or cast iron without the associated problems. "In this instance,” explains Dr Barrie Colvin, Managing Director of Bollards International, “we have worked alongside two councils to provide replacement street furniture which has the appearance of wood, but which will retain its ‘newness’ for many years.
“Dulwich in South London has installed timber look-alike post and chain to protect its picturesque war memorial, and the edges of the road through Gayton near Kings Lynn are defined by timber look-alike markers. All this street furniture will remain in first-class condition with little maintenance for years to come.”
