£3,000 A Throw

jambutty · 30-06-2008, 14:05

It was reported that thieves in Chorley have been pinching road grates thus leaving the general public in some danger.

However that is not the issue. What was included in the report was that each grate costs £3,000.

If that is true then it only confirms what I have known for many years. Supplying products or services to the Local Authority or Government is like having your own bank and businesses can charge what they like and get it.

Bonnyboy · 30-06-2008, 14:55

Doing Government contract work is like having a licence to print money. Or at least seems that way.

There was a recent News item a few weeks back ( can’t find a link to it ) it was regarding the different costs that contractors charge hospitals. Royal Blackburn was “had over” to the tune of £400 + to have a door handle replaced. I’m sure that was the amount.

Pity I can’t find a link to the story, perhaps someone else can recall the story.

Neil · 30-06-2008, 15:14

I read the problem was that to replace some of the grids they have to excavate the area and replace the whole lot. Something to do with new grids not fitting old grid holes.

It would be cheaper to visit a certain jobbing foundry in Bamber Bridge and have them make some grids that are the same as the old ones. Then again that is too sensible for LCC.

WillowTheWhisp · 30-06-2008, 15:51

£400 for a door handle? Good grief I thought my nephew went OTT when his cost £50.

wadey · 30-06-2008, 15:56

It still begs the question, "Where are they weighing in lorry loads of grates and lead flashing?" Usual suspects but they get nothing at court. Of course it's the taxpayer who foots the bill in the end as usual.

WillowTheWhisp · 30-06-2008, 16:02

Maybe they nick the grates and then give the council a quote of £3,000 to replace them?

jaysay · 30-06-2008, 16:03

Remember when Margaret saw someone taking a manhole cover from outside her home, she was told that the police had caught them a let them off with a caution, at £3000 for every one they should have been given hard labour never mind let off with a caution

WillowTheWhisp · 30-06-2008, 16:08

Yep, sort of makes it worth the risk doesn't it?

MargaretR · 30-06-2008, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysay

Remember when Margaret saw someone taking a manhole cover from outside her home, she was told that the police had caught them a let them off with a caution, at £3000 for every one they should have been given hard labour never mind let off with a caution

They came back and took a metal field gate not long after.
I could hear the still saw at 1am - but didn't bother to report it
Why waste money on a phone call when they do nowt about it?

jambutty · 30-06-2008, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

They came back and took a metal field gate not long after.
I could hear the still saw at 1am - but didn't bother to report it
Why waste money on a phone call when they do nowt about it?

Not much public spirit in you then?

I’ll bet that if thieves were taking something of yours and a neighbour heard them but did not ring the police you would be well miffed.

It would be fair to assume that whatever relationship you had with that neighbour would rocket downwards rapidly.

All I can say is that I’m glad you live in Ossy and not near me.

MargaretR · 30-06-2008, 16:57

My public spiritedness was sufficient to use what materials I had to hand (plywood) to block a gaping grate hole when that happened, but when theives were caught red handed a few days later and LET OFF - that provokes the response
'why should I lose sleep bothering?'

jaysay · 30-06-2008, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

They came back and took a metal field gate not long after.
I could hear the still saw at 1am - but didn't bother to report it
Why waste money on a phone call when they do nowt about it?

Mine you Margaret I don't blame you they may have took a fence too

churchman phil · 30-06-2008, 18:40

So why don't they now replace them with ones made from recycled plastic? If they can make some absolutely sterling ladder styles from the stuff then a grate shouldn't be a problem. Lighter and probably a damn sight cheaper and with no chance of 'em being nicked to weigh in!

Neil · 30-06-2008, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by churchman phil

So why don't they now replace them with ones made from recycled plastic? If they can make some absolutely sterling ladder styles from the stuff then a grate shouldn't be a problem. Lighter and probably a damn sight cheaper and with no chance of 'em being nicked to weigh in!

Would you want to drive a truck over a plastic grate lid with a 10 foot plus drop below it? The drains in the road outside my house are even deeper than than, maybe even 20 feet deep.

churchman phil · 30-06-2008, 19:08

It is pretty strong and resilient stuff you know. Would be quieter too probably.