Why did they do this, by the way?

This was discussed here back in November 2002 (yes, I thought they were
taken off more recently as well) - http://tinyurl.com/8t3l4
The answer given was "in recognition of the fact that not every one is
the same width, and to stop the little s***s who snap the old ones off
and start fighting with them from having a rather nasty weapon."
--
Joe Patrick
Railways Online - for GB railway news, information & photos
http://www.railwaysonline.co.uk