August 12 2009

A survey of Scotland’s local authorities conducted by Highland, one of Scotland’s leading galvanizing and colour powder coating firms, to uncover annual spend on the upkeep of railings, fencing, street furniture, balustrades and playground equipment has unearthed widespread wastage through a freedom of information request

Twenty-eight of Scotland’s 32 local authorities were found to have frittered away nearly £5 million between them on repair and maintenance of corroding steelwork. An expense that Highland argue to be unjustifiable given that properly galvanizing steel products prior to installation would negate the need for treatment for up to 25 years, netting a cumulative saving of almost £117 million over the period if results are extrapolated.

Paul McCafferty, a director at Highland, said: “The £5 million figure is really only scratching the surface. Not only are there vast areas in need of refurbishment with insufficient budget to do so, but the survey response was unable to factor a range of associated ancillary costs.”

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