You are currently viewing Braintree Town Hall flagpole installation

Braintree Town Hall flagpole installation

Braintree Town Hall, owned by Braintree District Council, is a historic building located in Market Square at the heart of Braintree Town Centre. Opened May 22nd 1928, by the Earl of Crawford. The town hall was a gift of William Julien Courtauld, whose family were the largest public benefactors to Braintree and the district. They wanted the town to have a grand civic building, sufficient to join the separate parishes of Braintree and Bocking.

Like other historic buildings the town hall was fitted with a timber flagpole to keep with the traditional appearance. However, timber is a natural product which is more susceptible to nature’s elements and environmental conditions.Therefore, it is essential for timber flagpoles to have at least one regular annual maintenance survey and periodic refurbishment.

Maintenance Inspection

Braintree District Council contacted Flagpole Company to undertake a maintenance inspection of the flagpole at the town hall. Due to its location it was necessary to use a cherry picker to complete a full physical inspection of the flagpole and fixings. The council also reported they had some difficulties lowering and raising flags.

Following the inspection our engineers identified the flagpole and its fittings were starting to deteriorate. If not attended to it could be a potential safety hazard as the flagpole is at the front of the building and overhangs the pavement. Our engineers suggested a slightly different positioning to help improve the ease of lowering and raising the flag. On investigation by council staff the flagpole needed to maintain its position to keep with Listed Building and Conservation Area regulations.

In view of this our engineers recommended a slightly shorter aluminium flagpole for several reasons. A shorter flagpole would reduce the load on the traditional decorative bracket fixings. Aluminium flagpoles are more resistant to weather elements, have a longer life expectancy than timber and tend to be hardwearing. Therefore offering a safer option for flagpoles which overhang public walkways.

In addition to installing the aluminium flagpole our engineers replaced the halyard system, various pulleys. These improved the process of lowering and raising the flag. Finally, to ensure the flagpole was fixed securely and was in keeping with the building’s historic features. We cleaned, modified and repainted the existing decorative supportive brackets.

Annual maintenance inspection

Although, there is a expense to an annual maintenance inspection it minimises long term ownership costs. Plus, reduces the risk of a health and safety incident. Regular maintenance checks and servicing will help to prolong the life of your flagpole and maintain its functionality. If you have a flagpole, whether it is timber, aluminium or fibreglass, we recommend an annual maintenance inspection. To organise yours please email,  call 01245 230700 or complete our online form