Rhinoceros started work today on a £1million contract to refurbish the pedestrian subways at Monument, looking towards London Bridge. The subways were originally built in 1935-6 using Faience tiles made by Shaws of Darwen. Shaws are still in business and are making new tiles to match the original. All the original bronze signage and handrails will be repaired and repolished. The decorative parapets around each exit will be repaired, restored and repainted. New re-inforced concrete plinths will be built at exits 4 and 5. Exit 5 was badly damaged by a bus last year. The new plinth is designed to withstand vehicle impact and minimise possible injuries to pedestrians in the event of another such accident.
