Who can tell me what this old thing is please? I’ve passed it umpteen times without knowing what it is. It’s on the left-hand side pavement as you face the beach, toward the end of Kings Gap. Answers on a postcard in a comment please!
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Who can tell me what this old thing is please? I’ve passed it umpteen times without knowing what it is. It’s on the left-hand side pavement as you face the beach, toward the end of Kings Gap. Answers on a postcard in a comment please!
Dear John, I think it’s a vent for underground gas build up. But it’s being used as a sweet wrapper bin at the mo. I have walked past this thousands of times too.
Air vent for the drains perhaps?
hmm ..two readers suggest the same answer ! That didn’t cross my mind at all.
Any more?
Regular reader Richard suggests:
…the odd-shaped pipe might be a vent to stop sewers from exploding through build-up of gas (primarily methane). They did exist many years ago and the Victorian examples I’m familiar with are also quite ornate.
Well, as it’s in a Conservation Area maybe such an original feature should be spruced up with a lick of paint!
Hi john i started work as a boy for the old HUDC with highway services and have been told by past workfriends that these things are in fact vents for the old drain systems, you will also see others at high levels and they are for venting the sewers hope this helps.
Regards Michael.
Hello Mike
Thanks for your comment …good to have it confirmed !
John
I understood they were ventilators for underground electricity transformers. There was one near the corner of Kings Gap and Valentia Road, and I am certain that was the purpose of that particular one.