The section of the road that saw the highest pedestrian and traffic movements (due to the proximity of shops) was lit with integrally-geared Thorn Alpha 3 lanterns attached to 10 m columns. The Alpha 3s ran a mixture of 250 Watt and 400 Watt SON lamps. Light levels along this part of Burton Road must, therefore, have been colossal; given the nominal column height. The replacement column is installed directly 'behind' the outgoing column in the photograph below; making it difficult to see. Earlier in the day, the new column was leaning slightly; its excavation hole awaiting filling. This had been rectified by the time that the pictures were taken.

The lowest portion of an Alpha 3's bowl often collects detritus, which, when exposed to the heat from a 250 Watt or 400 Watt lamp, soon becomes rather 'barbecued'! The dirt can enter the lantern through the narrow gap between the canopy and the shoe, especially if the sealing gasket has perished.

Only one of the new columns had been fitted with a lantern at the time of photographing.

This is the 'large' (SGS 254) version of the Iridium. The lamp looks to be 150 Watt SON-T. The photocell fitted is a Royce Thompson SC1000; designed to switch the lamp on at 35 Lux, and off at 18 Lux.