27 Jul 2026
County Hall has made a surprising U-turn over the replacement of ornate heritage lamp posts with unsightly modern columns.
Back in May, the St Albans Times revealed how lamp posts dating back more than 100 years were being removed and destroyed by county contractors.
Many of the cast iron posts located around St Albans Conservation Area were taken down by Ringway and modern steel replacements installed instead.
Roads affected included Clarence Road, Townsend Drive, West View Road, one in Hall Place Gardens, Avenue Road, Batchwood View, Waverley Road, Pondfield Crescent, and Lancaster Road.
The heritage lamp posts have already been adapted to modern lighting standards, but HCC claims they have become dangerous due to corrosion, with the internal wiring and its protective insulation also having deteriorated over time.
Heritage campaigner David Kaloczi said at the time: “It is sad to see so much of our historic street furniture being needlessly destroyed and to think we are funding this through ever-increasing taxation.
“So much other basic highway maintenance is required, yet HCC is focusing on this vandalism. Given the track record of the Liberal Democrat-controlled district and county councils I suppose it is inevitable that we will continue to see the speeding up of the destruction of our historical district and what made it special. We have, I believe, reached a point of no return, and sadly this is what people have voted for!”
But after the story reached the national media, Herts county council brought the works to an unexpected standstill.
A spokesperson revealed: “In accordance with our safe and operational policy, it is understood that several heritage-style streetlighting columns within St Albans district underwent a structural inspection and were found to be life expired due to their structural condition.
“Our policy is to replace columns on a like-for-like basis within a Conservation Area, and we apologise that on this occasion the policy was not followed.
“Once we realised this, we paused the work to assess the situation. We can now confirm that three columns on Clarence Road and two columns on West View Road (all within the Conservation Area) will be replaced with heritage-style columns, anticipated to be completed by the week commencing August 3.
“Where existing special design apparatus (heritage) style columns are not within a conservation area, they will be replaced by the standard specification of column and lantern. If the local councillor wishes to fund the difference between the standard specification and SDA equipment, they may do so via their Highways Locality Budget.
“We are in the process of contacting the local member to see if they wish to fund the extra costs for heritage-style equipment. This applies to 12 columns on the following roads: Pondfield Crescent, Batchwood View, Lancaster Road, Green Lane, Kingshill Avenue and Peters Avenue. Subject to the members funding we will prioritise the completion of this work.
“It is not a Hertfordshire County Council requirement to consult upon the refurbishment or replacement of street lighting columns. The original columns and associated materials were segregated and transferred for recycling.”
David Kaloczi responded to the news: “Surprise, surprise. I’ve caught HCC and its contractors out yet again! Is it any wonder they have me blacklisted for nothing other than being alert and showing common sense. One can only imagine how much this latest fiasco has cost us as taxpayers.
“The authorities need to stop unnecessarily condemning perfectly good heritage lamp posts and instead use resources to fix some of the many real issues that need tackling in and around our district.”
Green county councillor Matt Fisher, who represents St Albans Central, said: “I welcome Hertfordshire Highways’ response, particularly their acknowledgement that their own policy was not followed within the conservation area and their apology for that mistake.
“I’m pleased that, following representations from residents and myself, the five affected columns within the conservation area will now be replaced with the correct heritage-style columns.
“For the remaining 12 heritage columns outside the conservation area, Hertfordshire Highways’ policy is to replace them with standard columns unless the local county councillor funds the additional cost through their Highways Locality Budget. I have asked officers to confirm the additional cost by July 24. Whilst my Highways Locality Budget for this financial year has already been fully allocated, I have requested that, if funding is required, it is apportioned to my 2027/28 Highways Locality Budget, rather than allowing cost to become a barrier to delivering the right outcome.
“Our city’s heritage and character are among St Albans’ greatest assets. Once these features are lost, they are lost forever – and with them, some of the charm, identity and appeal that make our city so special.
“We have a responsibility to protect and enhance what previous generations have entrusted to us. I will continue to negotiate as creatively and constructively as I can with Hertfordshire Highways to secure the best possible outcome for residents.
“I’d also like to thank everyone who took the time to raise this issue, particularly David Kaloczi, whose tenacity and attention to detail helped bring about this important intervention. It is a great example of residents and their local county councillor working together to protect the character of our city. More broadly, thank you to everyone who continues to observe, report and care so deeply about St Albans. Your pride and passion are what make this such a wonderful place to live.
“Many readers will have seen the progress being made over the past year with highways and footpath improvements across central St Albans. Please continue reporting potholes, damaged pavements, street lighting faults, blocked drains and gullies, water leaks, overgrown vegetation and any other highway defects to Hertfordshire Highways. Once you’ve done so, send me the reference number and I’ll do everything I can to chase the issue, monitor progress and help bring it to a successful conclusion.
“Together we can continue protecting our heritage while improving our streets, public spaces and neighbourhoods.”
