A couple taken on a recent visit. The post is one of the ones across the alley from the top of Holborn Hill to Thompson St. It's the base of a footpath finger post; the remaining words are "Erected by", then probably "Wirral Footpaths etc Society", as seen in the second pic which is at the Woodchurch Rd. railway bridge, between the railway & the Fender. I think the "etc" stands for "and open spaces preservation" That organisation was founded in 1888.
I think the stubby pipes in the Hoylake area are vents. Maybe not from the sewer (stench pipes) as they are too low and would be a bit pongy, but for other (surface water ?) drains. The collar around the base is identical to those fitted REVO street lamp columns in the 40's/50's.
Someone on wiki has an Endoscope, not sure who. A quick peep down the "pipe" might give a clue.
The Wirral has a lot of Stench Pipes, most in Birkenhead are of the same design. Here are some from the Prenton area which seems to have more than its fair share of these items.
We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn
