Plastic drains covers on way to Walsall
Stolen drain covers in Walsall will be replaced with plastic ones in a bid to curb metal thieves, it was announced today.
Replacing drain covers plundered from the streets of the borough has cost the local authority hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years.
Now, stolen covers will be replaced with heavy duty plastic ones in a bid to stamp out the problem.
It follows a year-long trial of two plastic drain covers on streets in the town. These have now been deemed able to stand up to the rigours of everyday wear and tear.
The plastic covers cost £97 each – £10 more than metal ones – but are unlikely to be targeted by thieves as they have little resale value.
Roads chief Tom Ansell today said: "Theft is theft. But stealing drain covers could potentially lead to serious injury and death."
Latest figures show more than 70 drain covers were stolen from the streets of Walsall in six months, costing £35,000 to replace.
Streets in Willenhall, Moxley and Darlaston have all been hit by drain cover thefts in recent months.
