THE PROBLEM?
The need to rapidly replace dozens of gully grates which were stolen in the Uttlesford area of Essex over a three-day period was met by Wrekin Products’ MultiGrate, a composite grating which can be sized on-site to replace almost any missing gully ironwork and provide an instant temporary fix.
Around 40 ductile double triangular gully grates were removed by thieves in a semi-rural area of Essex which incorporates Saffron Waldron, Bishop Stortford and Braintree, putting vehicles, drivers and pedestrians at risk from hazardous open gullies.
Responding to gully grate theft often means several visits by maintenance crews to complete the installation of a replacement cover, leading to increased traffic disruption and extra cost.
THE SOLUTION..
MultiGrate is designed to be fitted by a maintenance crew on the first visit. The robust design forms a secure temporary replacement until a permanent one is installed. Weighing less than 13kg, it can be easily handled by a single operative and cut on-site to fit the exact size of the gully, using standard tools. Built-in cutting guidelines ensure an accurate fit with most inspected gratings.
In Essex, MultiGrate was used to make both 100mm and 150mm deep grating locations that had been targeted by thieves safe and was described by Ringway Jacobs Essex Highways Works Supervisor Jim Collins as “a quick, easy and cost-effective solution to the problem.”
Full reinstatement in the affected area is now complete but the MultiGrates have been retained by maintenance crews for recycling to other emergency situations. This reduces the cost per unit/use and improves key performance indicators (KPIs) on waste management.
