A Retaining Barrier

A retainer 1 comprises a peripheral barrier 9 arranged to restrain a mass of settable material such as concrete from entering a closed area 10 inside the retainer. An anchoring mechanism 12 extends from the peripheral barrier and is arranged to be pegged directly or indirectly into the surface onto which settable material is to be poured. The retainer thus provides a means for forming openings in a layer of blinding concrete during the pouring and setting process, allowing for the installation of foundation piles through the openings. The anchor may extend into the closed area. The barrier may comprise an up-standing metal strip with connectors, such as protrusions 6a and corresponding slots, to join two parts of the strip together to form a ring. The retainer may comprise a first portion to form the barrier and a second portion 4 at a right angle to the first to form the anchoring mechanism.