A “dastardly act of vandalism” say conservationists - But, Horse Guards Parade eyesore is temporary

Published: 04 February 2011
by JOSH LOEB

IT has been compared to a checkpoint in Afghanistan and has been labelled a “dastardly act of vandalism” by conservationists since it sprung up several weeks ago. 

Now the West End Extra has finally got to the bottom of the “ugly” black barrier in Horse Guards Parade, off Whitehall. And, far from being the area’s latest anti-terror barricade, it turns out that it is merely a replacement for “hydraulic bollards” which are under repair.

Composed of several low bollards and a tall gate, the structure sits in one of Westminster’s most attractive open spaces – the parade ground which is the site of Royal Trooping of the Colour ceremonies. Officials at 10 Downing Street, responsible for erecting the structure, this week said it was temporary and was scheduled to be removed by April. But that hasn’t stopped heritage campaigners from querying the colour scheme and branding it an eyesore. 

Newspaper columnist Simon Jenkins said the structure made Horse Guards Parade look like “a parade ground in Helmand province”. 

Architect Tom Ball, who sits on the committee of prestigious neighbourhood group the Thorney Island Society, said it was “the latest of a succession of mindless insensitivities that the government and authorities have carried out”.

He added: “It is well known that a grey colour would cause far less offence generally, and particular in this instance.”

A spokesman for 10 Downing Street: “This is a temporary structure in place during works on the hydraulic bollards in the parade. They are scheduled to be removed by April.”