66 years on... Royal columns removed
ESSENTIAL works remove three structurally unsound lighting columns on Lord Street took place yesterday.
Surveys of all three Coronation columns, which were erected along the main boulevard in 1953 to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, have found signs of considerable structural wear and tear.
As a result, works began yesterday (aug 28) to remove all three defective columns as a matter of paramount public safety.
The commemorative Coronation lanterns, which adorn the top of the columns, will be retained and restored by the local authority ahead of them being reinstated on new columns.
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “While the Coronation lamps are a fantastic part of our borough’s heritage, the
safety of the public is paramount and the columns need to be removed.
“Our contractors will be working diligently to make sure all three lanterns, which are the focal point of the Coronation lamps, will be safely recovered and restored with intention of being reinstated at a later date.
“When the columns were first erected over 66 years ago, 2019 seemed such a long time away and in that time they have naturally weathered to a point where they are no longer considered structurally sound.
“Due to the nature of the works, we expect there may be some minimal disruption to road users while cranes and equipment are put in place.”
The Coronation lamps are situated at the junctions of Duke Street, Eastbank Street and Manchester Road respectively.