RESIDENTS have been left baffled after the local council put up sixty “eyesore” bollards outside their kids’ school.
The bizarre stretch of posts appeared outside Meadows Primary School in Birmingham, which caters for around 700 children, around 18 months ago.
A ridiculous number of bollards line a street in BirminghamCredit: SWNS
The bizarre stretch appeared outside a primary school about 18 months agoCredit: SWNS
Locals were baffled by the council’s decision to erect the 60 bollardsCredit: SWNS
The bollards line the A38 Bristol Road between Longbridge and Northfield.
Locals claim the traffic calming measures are “unnecessary” and could actually prove more dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.
But after a video of the sprawling 50 metre stretch went viral on social media this week, many residents began branding it a complete waste of taxpayers’ cash.
And neighbours living nearby have also revealed how they are just as confused by the decision to install three rows of 60 bollards – instead of just a fence.
Mum-of-one Jessica Grant, 38, who lives nearby, said: “They popped up out of nowhere about 18 months ago and everyone was just a bit baffled.
“We’re all for traffic safety around a primary school but this just looks like a weird slalom of posts more suited to the Winter Olympics.
“A simple fence or some barriers along the side of the road would have done the job but this is surely more expensive.”
She continued: “It’s an absolute eyesore too and if anything could prove more dangerous for cyclists or pedestrians trying to navigate it.
“Delivery drivers have also been unable to park up and I hear parents have had difficulties too.
“I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else to be honest.”
Another local, who did not wish to be named, said the council decision was “complete overkill”.
They said: “Serious questions have to be asked of the council. It’s barmy. Who on earth thought this was a good idea?
“We have had problems with parking near the school but this is an unnecessary eyesore and complete overkill by the council.
“The first row nearest the road I sort of understand but the rest of them are just weird.”
Earlier, the World Bollard Association tweeted an image of some bollards outside a shop in Asia with the caption: “There’s no such thing as too many bollards”
One web user cheekily replied with footage of the Birmingham stretch and wrote: “The A38 between Longbridge & Northfield (Birmingham) would seem to agree.”
While another person commented: “Trees would serve same purpose and you know, look good while doing it.”
A third put: “For the love of god, and all that’s holy. why?”
A fourth person even compared the bollards to the Siegfried Line – Hitler’s World War II defensive line which stretched 390 miles along the German border.
A Birmingham City Council spokeswoman said: “We receive regular complaints from residents about inconsiderate and dangerous parking outside the school.
“We are working with the school to help challenge this behaviour and encourage walking and cycling where appropriate, but unfortunately the number of bollards that have been installed demonstrates the scale of the problem.
“We will continue to encourage parents to consider other forms of transport and to consider others when dropping off children at school.”
Another local described the council’s decision as “complete overkill”Credit: SWNS