... galvanised steel 'noddy columns' Further to the above post, I can confirm Mr Adair's explanation behind these columns is correct.
The design which rejoices in the name of the "Tameside Slipper", came into existence several years ago. I understand it was developed by Tameside's streetlighting department and a fabrication firm, as a response to the huge numbers of elderly concrete columns in the borough, which required renewal. As we all know, a portion of the cost of any streetlamp replacement is spent on the service transfer itself. The slipper neatly avoids disturbing the "Norweb" side of the cutout, thus saving time and money.
Prior to the Slipper, Tameside was quietly making moves to update its lighting infrastructure. Having given up on SOX for new installations in the early 90s, the majority of 5m concrete columns were sleeved to 6m. Beta 5s or Eleco 5011s which were formerly used were replaced with Beta 79s or Davis Starlines. These lasted until the introduction of the Tameside Slipper which steadily eliminated the old equipment. The slipper is now the most common group B column type in the borough and nearly always sporting an equally common Whitecroft Arc. To date, most are still in service, replacements being limited to accident victims. With only a handful of original concrete columns still around, it remains to be seen whether further Slippers will be installed.
Pre PFI, Manchester also experimented with the slipper albeit on a much smaller scale. I had heard the design was offered to other councils by the manufacturer, with royalties based on each sale going back to Tameside.
There seem to be two main designs. The most numerous is the square profile which will fit the standard slim columns. There is however the rarer rectangular type which would be used to replace the wider Stanton 7A or B.
Whilst the Tameside Slipper is hardly the most aesthetically pleasing design, it has at least allowed the borough's lighting stock to be updated with a reduced budget. I just wish they would give them a lick of municipal paint to soften the utilitarian look.