Bow Top Railings and Gates for Newtown Linford Parish Council: A Leicestershire Case Study

When Newtown Linford Parish Council decided to replace its ageing timber fencing and gates, they wanted something that would suit a Charnwood Forest village and last for decades. We supplied and installed galvanised, powder-coated bow top railings, two pedestrian gates and two double-leaf vehicle gates across the site’s entrance and exit, and took all the old timber away.

Project at a Glance

Client
Newtown Linford Parish Council
Location
Newtown Linford, Leicestershire
Project type
Replacing timber fencing with steel railings and gates
Scope
2 × 3.3m double-leaf vehicle gates, 2 × 1.2m pedestrian gates, 16m of 1.2m high railings
Finish
Hot-dip galvanised and powder coated black
Also included
Removal and disposal of all existing timber fencing and gates

The Challenge: Timber Fencing That Had Done Its Job

Timber fencing looks lovely when it first goes in. After years of Leicestershire weather it’s a different story: posts soften at the base, gates drop and drag, and the council ends up paying for repairs that never quite solve the problem.

Newtown Linford Parish Council wanted to stop patching and start again. The cemetery site has two access points, an entrance and an exit. Each needed to let pedestrians through easily, let vehicles in when required, and stay secure the rest of the time. Whatever went in had to look right in a picturesque village setting, and it had to last.

Our Solution: Matching Bow Top Railings at the Entrance and Exit

After a site visit, we recommended an identical layout at both access points. Matching bow top railings and gates give the site a consistent look and make it simple for the council to manage day to day.

1200mm Pedestrian Railing Gates

Each pedestrian gate is a 1200mm single-leaf gate built from 70mm × 70mm square hollow section (SHS) posts, a 60mm × 40mm rectangular hollow section (RHS) frame and 16mm solid bar infills with traditional bow tops. A padlockable slide latch lets the council lock it with their own padlock.

3300mm Double-Leaf Vehicle Access Gates

The vehicle gates are 3300mm wide and hung on heavier 100mm × 100mm SHS posts to carry the extra weight. They use the same frame and bow top infills as the pedestrian gates, so everything matches.

As well as a padlockable slide latch, we fitted padlockable drop-bolts with ground sockets in both the open and closed positions. That detail matters more than it sounds. Gates held open properly won’t swing shut on a vehicle, and gates held closed properly can’t be forced or blown open.

16 Metres of 1200mm High Bow Top Railings

We installed 8 metres of 1200mm high bow top railings at each access point. They use 50mm × 50mm SHS posts at 2800mm centres, 40mm × 10mm horizontal rails and 16mm solid bar infills. Every panel is joined with angle cleats and security fixings, so it can’t simply be unbolted.

Why Bow Top Railings Suit Villages and Public Spaces

Bow top railings are one of the most popular choices for parish councils, playgrounds, churchyards and parks. They strike a useful balance:

• Safe: rounded tops with no sharp points, which is why they’re so common around play areas.
• Welcoming: they mark a clear boundary without making a space feel fenced in.
• Traditional: the arched profile sits naturally beside older buildings and rural scenery.
• Low maintenance: steel doesn’t rot, split or need regular treatment like timber does.

A Finish Built to Last: Galvanised and Powder Coated

Every railing and gate was hot-dip galvanised and then powder coated in a standard colour chosen by the council. Galvanising protects the steel against rust from the inside out, and powder coating adds a tough, even colour on top. This combination, often called a duplex finish, is what gives galvanised bow top railings a service life measured in decades rather than years.

Removing the Old Timber Fencing

We took down and removed all the existing timber fencing and gates as part of the job. All waste was disposed of in full accordance with local regulations, so the council didn’t need to arrange skips, extra contractors or a separate clearance visit.

The result

This project was carried out by the Secure-a-Field team and completed ahead of schedule, with a note from the Newtown Linford Parish Council clerk:

“Many thanks, Amy. The gates look absolutely superb and Jack and team have done a great job. Please pass on my thanks to them“

Frequently Asked Questions About Bow Top Railings

How long do galvanised and powder-coated bow top railings last?

Hot-dip galvanised steel railings with a powder-coated finish typically last several decades with very little maintenance. That’s far longer than timber fencing, which usually needs repair or replacement much sooner.

Are bow top railings suitable for parish councils?

Yes. Bow top railings are one of the most common choices for parish councils, schools, parks and play areas. They have no sharp points, look traditional and create a secure boundary without feeling closed off.

What size gate do I need for vehicle access?

It depends on the vehicles using the site. A 3.3m double-leaf gate, like the ones at Newtown Linford, gives comfortable access for cars and maintenance vehicles while keeping each leaf light enough to open by hand.

What are drop-bolts and ground sockets for?

Drop-bolts slide into sockets set in the ground to hold each gate leaf firmly in place. Fitting sockets for both open and closed positions stops gates swinging in the wind and prevents them being forced open when locked.

Can you remove my old fencing?

Yes. We can take down and dispose of existing fencing and gates as part of your project, with all waste handled in line with local regulations.

What colours can railings be powder coated?

Railings and gates can be powder coated in a range of standard colours. Black and green are popular for villages and parks, but the choice is yours.

Planning a Bow Top Railings Project?

Whether you look after a village green, recreation ground, school or car park, we’d be happy to help. Contact Secure-a-Field – 01530 242 405 for a free site visit and quotation.