To the barricades !
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TWO weeks ago in this column I forecast that at least four vehicles would collide with the new "traffic pinch " on Telegraph Hill, South London, within a month because it was so badly sited. Such optimism ! In fact, the metal barrier posts on the southbound side were splayed crazily outwards within 24 hours of erection and within a matter of days the main central gate had been carried away, leaving only bent support posts, and had been replaced by temporary barriers. So temporary in fact that lorry drivers were lifting them aside to drive through.
Then, on -Monday of last week, not only had the metal barrier post on the northbound side been flattened, but also the sizeable tree on the pavement alongside it and, as my picture shows, full-size lorries were trundling through
the gap.
The council then retreated and regrouped for a fresh offensive. By Wednesday the central gateway had been opened to traffic, but heaviergauge metal barrier posts were being concreted into the pavement at each side.
I insist on boring you with future reports from the battleground at Telegraph Hill. I have a feeling it may become part of London's folklore. 1 also have a feeling that the heavier gauge barrier posts will not outlast a week. Meanwhile this is your Telegraph Hill war correspondent signing off. Heavens! They're shelling again.