57AG. The Sidings, Crewe, Cheshire With thanks to Leo Conway for discovering these Survivors. Installed on this short cul-de-sac are two 15 ft (5 m) 'Avenue 2D' concrete columns and 'Banstead' shepherd's crook brackets; both made by Concrete Utilities. The original lanterns that these 1940s' columns would have supported are long gone; today, they support Philips MI 55 lanterns, designed for running an elliptical high pressure sodium (SON-E) lamp. Unusually, although Philips did produce a top-entry version, which was known as the MI 57, these appear to be the standard side-entry version converted for top-entry use, making them a little more unusual. A third column, to much the same setup, was installed at the end of the cul-de-sac, although this appears to be gone now - surrounding tree branches make determining whether it is still there or not somewhat difficult.
The first column is in rather poor condition, with multiple sizeable chunks of concrete having been lost from the shaft.
Two rather amorous wood pigeons (they may appear innocent here, but trust me; they were not!) were perched on the decaying bracket during photographing.
The disused side-entry attachment is visible at the back of the lantern.
The second column was around the bend in the road from the first.
The bracket here was somewhat more intact.
Although the bowls are slightly yellowed, from the heat generated by the lamps in both fittings, this is not as severe as has happened on some examples.
The MI 55s are likely to be 1980s' alterations to these installations.
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