Manhole cover theft could become a thing of the past in East Lancashire

7:25am Saturday 1st September 2012 in News

STEALING manhole covers in East Lancashire could soon become a thing of the past, it is hoped.

As part of a £51million project, water company United Utilities will replace traditional covers in Blackburn with flip-lid versions, with the aim of reducing metal thefts, staff injuries, road accidents as well as irritating rattling caused by loose-fitting covers.

The new device, called the Ult-Emax uses a unique locking bar to fix the cover securely in place – preventing theft and vandalism.

Around 1,000 of the new devices have already been installed across in parts of East Lancashire, with work moving shortly to Harwood Gate in the town.

A hinge on the new device also allows engineers to access the manhole without lifting, reducing back injuries as well as eliminating rattles.

The old-style covers, which cost around £70 to £80, will be replaced when they reach the end of their natural life.

Nationally, United Utilities will replace more than 600,000 manholes across the county over the coming months and years.

The wastewater firm is currently working on a £35 million storm water drainage system in Blackburn to prevent future floods.

Engineers are starting on new sewers in the grass verges alongside Whalley Old Road and Philips Road. Work will get underway on September 3.

Comments (2)

4:52pm Sat 1 Sep 12

eastlancslad says...

"The old-style covers, which cost around £70 to £80, will be replaced when they reach the end of their natural life."
What the hell does that mean? A cast iron cover will last at least 100 years!
Have a look around, there are thousands of Victorian covers still insitu, and still nowhere near "the end of their natural life"!
I should know, I've lifted most of them in my time
Eastlancslad, ex drain man.
"The old-style covers, which cost around £70 to £80, will be replaced when they reach the end of their natural life." What the hell does that mean? A cast iron cover will last at least 100 years! Have a look around, there are thousands of Victorian covers still insitu, and still nowhere near "the end of their natural life"! I should know, I've lifted most of them in my time Eastlancslad, ex drain man. eastlancslad

9:33am Sun 2 Sep 12

Chris P Bacon says...

How simply AWfully sexist. It's not 'manhole' anymore; it's personhole. This is just too, too much. Pass the smelling salts, Eleanor.
How simply AWfully sexist. It's not 'manhole' anymore; it's personhole. This is just too, too much. Pass the smelling salts, Eleanor. Chris P Bacon

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