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Fishergate Bollard may be removed and sold to German transport museum

Posted on - 1st April, 2021 - 6:00am | Author - | Posted in - Politics, Preston News, Roads, Transport
The recovery of the taxi from the bollard structure Pic: Rachael Fenwick
The recovery of the taxi from the bollard structure Pic: Rachael Fenwick

The working from home during the pandemic appears to mean the beginning of the end for one of Preston’s iconic transport features.

Shifting patterns mean commuters heading into Preston city centre no longer hit the Fishergate bollard and friends.

The plinth, which stands on the junction of Fishergate and Corporation Street, has become infamous for being struck.

But in papers seen by Blog Preston it is understood Lancashire County Council is now looking to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the concrete structure.

Read more: Fishergate Bollard now has its own action figure

Funded by the European Union for the major revamp of Fishergate in 2013-14 the bollard has been mangling bumpers of cars and taxis ever since – even becoming a tourist attraction.

But with Preston’s streets becoming much quieter, particularly with many at County Hall itself now embracing home-working, the county council is not seeing the bollard as a good use of concrete.

The new look bollard in all its glory Pic: Lancashire County Council
The new look bollard in all its glory Pic: Lancashire County Council

A report states the number of bollard-related incidents has dropped by 7,000% in the past 12 months as motorists ditched their vehicles during the pandemic.

Now the county council is understood to have been approached by a German transport museum which wishes to purchase the bollards and put them on show in Hamburg.

Read more: Brockholes Brow lane closures due to landslip

Mr Hanz Windsup told Blog Preston: “We are envious of these marvels of street furniture.

“They are so effective at slowing down motorists, bringing them to a grinding halt, I mean it deserves to be captured and preserved forever.

“We have made an offer to Lancashire County Council and we hope to hear back from them soon.”

The branded bollards are also back leading to the station
The original bollards before they were replaced with a new sleek black design

Blog Preston attempted to contact the Bollard itself – but was stonewalled by the bollard’s agent as the social media following now means it has achieved a new level of status amongst Lancashire celebrities.

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Lancashire County Council declined to comment, saying it would address the bollard issue after the county elections in May.

Note: Hopefully you noticed the date this story was published, it is of course an April Fool! No bollards were harmed in the making of this story.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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