Building Houses For “Slum Clearance” Tenants
Debate at Rushden Council:  Highfield Road Site Criticised
Third Failure to Appoint Guardian
Surprise Withdrawal of Building Tender For 54 Houses

  In connection with its “slum clearance” scheme the Rushden Urban District Council has to build 28 houses for displaced families, and the position of these homes caused a division of opinion at the Council’s meeting on Wednesday.  A site near Highfield-road was adopted, but was not to the liking of some members, who felt that people “pushed out” of their homes should not be asked to move so far away.

  For the third time the Council failed to find a member who would accept appointment to the District Guardians Committee in place of Mr. T. F. B. Newberry, and the Chairman (Mr. J. Allen) declined to waste further time on a fiasco which has apparently resulted from general dislike of the Means Test.

  A builder who had been offered a contract for 54 houses withdrew his tender, and when members ahd expressed their surprise it was necessary to arrange new contracts at an extra cost of £327.

  Minutes of the Housing Committee dealt with the erection of new houses in connection with the Council’s proposals under the Housing Act, 1930.  The Sanitary Inspector reported that the following houses would be required to deal with displacements under the slum clearance scheme:-

  Clearance areas. – Eighteen houses: 10 two-bedroom non-parlour; 4 three-bedroom non-parlour; 4 four-bedroom non-parlour.

  Improvement areas. – Four houses: 3 two-bedroom non-parlour; 1 three-bedroom non-parlour.

  Houses to be demolished under Section 16. – Six houses: 5 two-bedroom non-parlour; 1 three-bedroom non-parlour.

  Messrs. Roe, Greenfield and Spencer, who inspected the available sites, recommended that the houses be erected on the Council’s Irchester-road estate.  The committee agreed and recommended that the Surveyor be instructed to prepare plans and invite tenders for the houses, the plans to be in accordance with the dimensions specified in the Housing Act, 1923.

  Mr. Roe said the land was at the back of the extension to Highfield-road.  It would leave a piece of from 1¾ to 2 acres.

  Mr. Hornsby said he was wondering whether the Housing Committee had considered other sites.  He was hoping they would view the back portion of the Newton-road housing estate, which, it seemed to him, would meet the wishes of the people to be displaced much better than to transplant them right up the Irchester-road.  There would be ample room to build the houses, and he hoped the committee would give the matter further consideration.  Were they unanimous, he asked, in choosing the site they were recommending?

Near The ’Buses

  Mr. Roe replied that the sub-committee did consider the Newton-road site, and also the Bedford-road site.  For the Bedford-road frontage they thought this type of house was not quite good enough, and the committee and sub-committee were unanimous that the Highfield-road site should be selected.  It would be near the ’buses, and there would be a good service into the town.  They thought it would be quite suitable for the type of house.

  Mr. Perkins said the site in Highfield-road would do quite well for further extension of the type of house existing there already.  If any land was available, however, he thought it would have been all right to build somewhere near the sites on which the tenants who were to be displaced were now living.

  In case of another suggestion coming along, the thought the wording of the resolution should be altered to leave the committee the option of an alternative site.  It seemed to him that the matter had been rather rushed.  Some people did not want to pay for a two-penny ’bus ride to come into Rushden, and it they were going to be pushed out of their present houses the Council should consider the question of distance.

  “I assume,” added Mr. Perkins, “that the tenants pushed out of the houses to be demolished will be the tenants of the new houses.”

Choice “Not Rushed”

  Mr. Roe: Could we insert a clause?

  The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson): I don’t think so.  In the submission of the proposals there must be a definite site submitted and approved. I am rather afraid that unless you settle tonight where you are going to put the houses it will hold the matter up.

  Mr. Roe: I would like to assure Mr. Perkins that the matter was not rushed.  We considered it most carefully, and we considered the site very suitable.

  Mr. Wilmott said it was thought that as most of the tenants were people who had always lived at that end of the town, it would be better to house them on the Bedford-road estate; but as the sub-committee, after investigating, were unanimous, they thought it best to accept their suggestion.

  Mr. Spencer said he, too, had favoured Bedford-road; he did not like moving people farther away.  There were difficulties, however.  The Newton-road site was considered, but was not thought quite so eligible as that on the Irchester-road.  The latter would be near some recreation ground, and it was thought that children who might be weak through not having proper housing accommodation might grow strong.

  The report was carried in spite of Mr. Hornsby’s cry of “No.”  Mr. Perkins, also, was understood to be a dissenter.

  Having had before them representations from the Medical Officer of Health regarding certain properties, the Finance Committee submitted a Statutory resolution declaring five areas (already announced) to be clearance areas; and the proposition was carried on the motion of Mr. Richardson, who said: “I don’t quite see the need for the resolution, but I move it.”

Tender Withdrawn - “Business Men Abide By Contracts”

  The Surveyor (Mr. J. W. Lloyd) reported the receipt of a letter from Messrs. J. W. Williamson and Sons, Ltd., withdrawing their tender for the erection of 54 houses in Highfield-road owing to the acceptance of other contracts in the meantime.

  The contractors next in order on the list of tenders were willing to carry out the work in accordance with their original tenders, and the Council decided to issue the contracts as follows:  Messrs. W. Thompson and Sons, Ltd., Irthlingborough, 56 houses at £16,849; Messrs. Hacksley Bros., Wellingborough, 10 houses at £2,960.

  The total extra cost amounted to £327, and the Council decided to apply for sanction to an additional loan of £325.

  Before these decisions were reached Mr. Hornsby wanted to know why the tenders had been withdrawn.  “Is it on account of the delay in the tenders being accepted by the Ministry?” he asked.

  The Chairman:  It is through the contractors accepting the tender and withdrawing afterwards.

  Mr. Wilmott:  It is an awkward position to be in.  The Council are losing £327.  Gentlemen here who are in business know that if they put a figure in by contract they must abide by it, even if it means losing £327.  We must see that this does not occur again.

  Mr. Roe said the committee could not help it.

  Mr. Richardson said it was known that if there was a push for houses the price of building materials went up.

  Mr. Green said he would like to know if the contractors were under a liability.  The discussion then dropped.

  In connection with the 66 houses to be erected in Highfield-road, the Ministry of Health sanctioned the following loans:  £1,668 repayable in 20 years, £492 repayable in 30 years, £19,100 repayable in 60 years.

  Other housing loans of £492 and £1,668 were negotiated at £3/1/3 per cent.

  The Housing Inspector reported that the renovation authorised in the last financial year was nearing completion.  He submitted a list of 217 houses to be renovated during the current year, and the Housing Committee recommended that specifications be prepared with a view to tenders being invited. – This was carried.

Unwanted Job - Chairman Objects to “Waste of Time”

  After the Council’s two previous failures to fill a vacancy on the Guardians Committee the question came forward again.

  “As there has been no agreement reached previous to this meeting,” said the Chairman, “I think I shall rule it off the agenda.”

  Following a remark by a member, the Chairman added: “I will just put it then, that we appoint one member in place of Mr. T. F. B. Newberry.”

  Mr. Wilmott: Now John!

  Mr. Spencer: I can’t do it twice.

  Mr. Perkins: I move that Mr. Coles be appointed to go.  It is not necessary for it to come from one side of the house.

  Mr. Coles: I must decline.  I believe that these honours should go round.

  The Chairman: I think it is a waste of this Council’s time and also its prestige, to carry on with any further discussion or nominations, and I will pass on to the next business.

  Mr. Wilmott: Excuse me.  I don’t know that it is a waste of time.  I think you ought to allow time for nominations.

  The Chairman: I have asked on three occasions.

  Mr. Wilmott had begun to speak again when the Chairman interposed with: “Excuse me, if you have no nominations to make I don’t think it is in order to proceed.”

  Mr. Wilmott: It is not for me to nominate; it is the Conservative gentlemen.  Probably they have got somebody.

  The Chairman insisted on passing on, and the post remained unfilled.

Two Church Sites

  A letter from the Oakham Archdeaconry Church Extension Board stated that they were now prepared to accept the Council’s offer to sell them a plot land on the Highfield-road with a frontage of 8ft. 6in., to be utilised for the erection of a building for church purposes only, at the price of 9d. per square yard, plus half the cost of road-making, etc., estimated at £110.

  The Housing Committee recommended that the sale be effected subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health and to a building being erected within ten years.  Failing compliance with the latter condition, the Council would have the option of re-purchasing the land at the same price.

  The report was adopted.

  A letter from Messrs. Prentice and Prentice, solicitors to the Northants Association of Congregational Churches, stated that owing to various circumstances the Association were not unable to proceed with the purchase of a church site offered by the Council on the Irchester-road estate.  The letter suggested that the offer be extended to the trustees of the Rushden Park-road Baptist Church, who, it was understood, were prepared to purchase on the same terms and conditions as those offered to the Congregational Association.

  The Council agreed to sell the land to the Baptist Church as suggested.

Road Dangers - Perilous Crossings for School Children

  Attention was called to the danger to school children in College-street consequent upon the large amount of fast moving traffic there, and the Highways Committee recommended that ‘School’ signs be placed at each end of the street.  The Council agreed.

  Mr. Spencer drew attention to the dangerous points that children had to cross on their way to and from the schools.  A large number of children had to cross from Fitzwilliam-street to Purvis-road, and he wondered if something could be done there also – something in the way of white lines.

  Mr. Coles: I was going to suggest that we do something of the kind that they are doing in London, and that is to have white lines where they could walk across.

  The Chairman: That can be considered by the Highways Committee at the next meeting.

  Messrs. W. Packwood and Son were successful with their estimate of £37  6s.  6d. for the interior renovation of the Fire Station, which Mr. Coles said was in “rather a bad state.”

Six New Seats

  Six 10ft. seats at £3 each were ordered for placing in various parts of the town. – Mr. Coles said they would be placed on the outskirts, so that people could have a rest when they were out for a walk.

  The Highways Committee had under consideration the question of improving the Church-street and High-street corner on the north side, and the Surveyor was instructed to consult the County Surveyor on the matter.

  The Parks, Baths and Hall Committee, whose new chairman is Mr. F. Green, reported the loan of articles from the Northampton Museum for exhibition at the Hall Museum, and acknowledged the receipt of exhibits from local residents.

Hall Service Refused

  An application was received from the Rev. E. E. Bromage, on behalf of the Wesleyan Reform Union for permission to hold a short service in the Rushden Hall grounds on Sunday, July 1.

  Having regard to the previous attitude of the Council regarding the holding of meetings in the Hall grounds, the Parks, Baths and Hall Committee replied that they were unable to accede.

  A letter from the secretary of the Ladies’ Bowling Club asked the Council to consider the provision of a pavilion at Spencer Park for the joint use of lady bowlers and tennis players, and also to provide woods for the use of the members.

  As no allowance for a pavilion had been made in this year’s estimates, the committee was unable to consider the matter at the present time.  The Council agreed, however, to purchase 12 pairs of woods at £1  10s. per pair.

  Rushden Swimming Club was granted use of the public bath on the same nights as last year, but failed in its application for “an occasional night in addition.”  The Monday hours were extended to 7.45 to 9, the club having asked for an extension to 7.30 – 9.

  The Rover Scouts were granted the use of the baths after 8.15 on Wednesday evenings for the purpose of swimming instruction.

Well-Used Library - Overhaul Intended

  A report of the Free Library Committee’s annual meeting showed that Mr. W. C. Tarry had been appointed chairman and Mr. John Spencer vice-chairman, with Messrs. J. S. Clipson, E. Freeman, H. H. Reed, W. W. Rial, W. A. E. Sherwood, Miss W. M. Clipson, the Rev. C. J. Keeler and the Rev. T. Stoney as the book selection committee.

  Book issues for the year ended March 31 were: Fiction 38,203, non-fiction 328, juveniles 6,431.  The total was 44,962 – an increase of 914 compared with the previous year.

  Additions to the library totalled 324 – 177 fiction, 20 non-fiction and 127 juveniles.  Two books had been presented by the Christian Science Society and eight by Mr. S. Saddler.

  It was agreed to spend £50 on new books and £50 on renewals.

  Mr. Spencer said the members would be pleased to know that the library was well used.  The committee generally felt that sooner or later there would have to be a general overhaul of the library, and that they would have to come to the Council for further assistance with regard to replacements.

Assessment Appeal

  On the advice of the Finance Committee it was decided to appeal against the new assessments of the following Council properties: Newton-road store yard (increased from £10 to £88 rateable value); Bedford-road hospital (£10 to £72); Free Library (£6 to £78).

  Mr. Allebone said he would like to ask if it was the opinion of the committee that the chairman of the committee should conduct these appeals, or whether they should engage a professional.

  The Clerk (Mr. W. L. Beetenson): It is for the Finance Committee to decide, but I suppose that in the ordinary course of events I would do it.

This is Rushden!

  It was reported to the Finance Committee that the gas holder at the local works was being re-painted, and it had occurred to the management that in view of the large number of aircraft that passed over, the Council might consider it desirable to have the name of the town painted on top of the holder.  The cost would be £7.

  The Council agreed, and asked the Gas Company to paint the name.

  “It was thought that Rushden for once might be on the map,” said Mr. Capon.  “I understand the holder is 100 feet across, so that the name will not be insignificant.”

  Mr. Perkins: Mr. Chairman, what shall we get for that £7? (Laughter).

  Mr. Spencer: I hope there will be no bombs dropped!

  Six samples of milk examined under the County Council Clean Milk Production Scheme were reported on.  Five were satisfactory, and in the other case the Health Committee was not satisfied.

Smart Brigade

  Mr. Tom Muxlow, secretary of the Rushden Fire Brigade, sent a letter reporting that the Brigade entered six events at the North-Eastern District competitions and were “placed” in five.

  The Chairman said he was sure the Council would like to congratulate the Fire Brigade on these successes.  They were all delighted that they had such an extremely efficient brigade.

  A general murmur of approval endorsed the Chairman’s tribute.

  Messrs. Allen and Allebone, with the Clerk, were deputed to attend the annual conference of the Urban District Councils’ Association at Whitby.

  “I had the pleasure of going last year,” said Mr. Roe.  “It is a very interesting conference indeed, and I feel this Council should be represented.”

  The Council received an invitation to take part in the opening ceremony of the Health Services Fete at Rushden Hall on Saturday.

  Referring to the fete, Mr. Green said that as chairman of the Hall Committee he would like to emphasise the necessity of keeping the grounds as free as possible from litter, so that there would not be a lot left behind to be cleared up on Sunday morning.

Building Plans

  Building plans were as follows: Two houses, Prospect-avenue, Messrs. T. Swindall and Sons; two houses in the new road off Wellingborough-road, Messrs. T. Swindall and Sons; house, Avenue-road, Court Estate, Mr. F. M. Chappell; additions to 8, Carnegie-street, Mrs. W. Goosey; additions to 138, Cromwell-road, Mr. W. Colton; electrical power house at works in Shirley-road, Rushden and Higham Ferrers District Gas Co.; new shop and additions to existing shop in Station-road, Mrs. W. H. Davison; extension to Park-avenue, Messrs. A. Sanders, Ltd.; wooden garage, 34, Purvis-road, Mr. G. A. Inwood; wooden garage, Prospect-avenue, Mr. K. Perrett; wooden garage, Prospect-avenue, Mr. J. S. Parker; open sheds at depot in Washbrook-road, Messrs. Peck’s Transport Co.; offices adjoining factory in Irchester-road, Messrs. Radburne and Bennett, Ltd.; wooden garage, Nippendale Allotments, Mr. W. Seamarks; five bungalows, Bedford-road, Mr. A. Osborne.

  At the close of the ordinary business the Council went into committee to consider the adoption of new Standing Orders in place of those made in 1906, a draft having been compiled by a special sub-committee.

The First Lady

  The only occupant of the public seats was Mrs. Harry Durham, a member of the Guardians Committee, who claimed the distinction of being the first lady to attend a meeting of the Council.

  Members in attendance were Messrs. J. Allen (chairman), A. Allebone, C.C. (vice-chairman), J. Roe, T. W. Cox, F. Green, L. Perkins, M.B.E., W. E. Capon, J. S. Denton, W. Wilmott, J. Spencer, J.P., J. E. Dilks, G. W. Coles, J.P., W. J. Sawford, J. Hornsby, J. T. Richardson, E. A. Sugars, J. White and D. G. Greenfield, M.D.