By a majority decision of Rushden Urban Council on Wednesday the children’s amusement devices in the playing fields will no longer be “locked” on Sundays.

It was agreed, with only four dissentients, to grant this new freedom for a trial period of 12 months.

In the debate members were assured there would be no extra work for park staff. In the small estate playgrounds, it was pointed out; children have to take care of themselves.

Asked by the Ministry of Transport to modernise the A6 road lighting and thus fit in with plans at Higham Ferrers, the council decided to submit proposals for all-night mercury vapour lighting throughout the year from the Higham boundary to Jubilee Park.

Sodium Lights

Higham favours yellow sodium lighting, but Mr. R. R. Griffiths said this would be “a retrograde step.” He suggested the removal of two yellow lights installed at the manufacturer’s expense in Higham Road, Rushden.

The Ministry will make a substantial grant towards the scheme.

Traffic lights for the Church cross-roads were reported to be on order.

Only 14 out of 586 Irchester Road estate tenants have agreed to the installation of new electric points.

Seven tenders for footpaths on the Upper Queen Street estate were received, and that of Mr. A. Squires, of Wellingborough, at £3,037 was accepted.

The chairman (Mr. E. A. Sugars) will convene a meeting of those concerned with the welfare of old people, for the purpose of co-ordinating their work.

Open Space

Land in Spinney Close, which has been cultivated as allotments since 1939, is to be restored as an open space, and tenancies are to be ended next March.

Recent reductions in interest rates do not offset reductions in housing subsidies, and the net expenses to be met by rents will be increased by a sum equal to a rent of 1s 2d a week.

The Finance Committee has at last elected its chairman – Mr. C. G. Faulkner (Lab).