192 - Sandy Lane, Saltney, Chester

192. Sandy Lane, Saltney, Chester Situated in the footpath a short distance after the Carlton Avenue junction is passed is a 5 m CU Phosco sheet steel column supporting a top-entry AC Ford AC716 35 Watt SOX (40 Watt SOX originally, before the lamps were re-rated) lantern. Believed to date from the 1960s, the AC716 was never as popular with authorities as lanterns from larger companies were, with the result that it is a very rare design these days, particularly with a relatively short production run.

Unfortunately, the lantern's bowl is quite badly damaged towards the back, and one of the refractor panels is missing completely.

The columns are of an unusual design, with the bracket appearing to fit over the top, much as a sleeve bracket does on a concrete column.

A section of threaded pipe is welded to the end of the bracket, enabling the lantern to be mounted horizontally. Judging by the presence of the low-set reflector above the lamp in this lantern, the lamp control gear could be housed within the lantern itself.

The damaged bowl has caused a considerable of dirt to gather towards the front of the bowl.