FURTHER WORKS IN BOROUGH

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22765, 18 July 1939, Page 9

FURTHER WORKS IN BOROUGH

PROPOSALS FOR NEW BRIGHTON LOAN TO BE SOUGHT BY COUNCIL Proposals for new works to be car* ried out in the borough were con* sidered at a special meeting of tha New Brighton Borough Council last evening. The Mayor (Mr E. L. Smith) presided. ‘‘For some time we have been trying to get improvements carried oat from revenue," said the Mayor. “It is impossible to carry on with 160 mm without further capital. The only way to carry on with these works is to raise a loan. The question is whether we will apply to the Government or whether we will carry on and take • poll.” Mr J. S. Ainsworth (chairman of works) said he had been in a most invidious position for some years, as had been the previous chairman of works. They had wanted to do works in all parts of the borough and had been unable to do so. The amount available had been too small. The sum of £2OOO would be wanted to cover maintenance. It had been impossible to carry out any new 'works. Tha Mayor had repeatedly referred to the progress of the borough land the number of new houses going up. The council had not been able to give them footpaths and side channels. Ratepayers had made repeated requests for these works from all parts of the borough. In reply to those requests he had asked them if they would be in favour of a small rate to cover the works and in most cases the ratepayers had expressed agreement. Cr. J. N. Clarke: While I approve the works and would like the loan to go through, is it wise to carry on with the proximity of amalgamation? The Mayor: We have already agreed that in the meantime we will carry on with the work of the borough. What is worrying mo is what are we going to do with the enormous number of men we have to provide work for. Cr. Clarke: I am not opposing tlw loan, only questioning the wisdom cf it at this juncture. The Mayor: The increase in Hie rata would be only 9/20ths of a penny in the £.

Cr. H. R. Macdonald moved that a schedule of new works be set up arwf a deputation from the council be appointed to make representations to Government with a request that it enable the council to raise a loan at the earliest possible date for the promotion of employment in the borough, conditionally on a full subsidy for labour being available.

Cr. J. E. Thomson, in seconding tb«f resolution, said he thought the proposal a good one. It would be a great asset to the borough to have permanent works carried out and enable tH«» council to keep all the men employsdL The Mayor: To do justice to the roads we will have to spend at least £IOOO oat metal alone and even then th% wocM not do the job properly. The resolution was carried and the Mayor, Deputy-Mayor (Cr. Clarke), Cr. Ainsworth were appointed to the deputation.

Cr. Ainsworth presented a comprehensive schedule of works; providintf for metalling of roads, formation o£ footpaths, putting down side in various parts of the borough. the making of a new read In Gresham terrace from Park reed tbmuijK to Racecourse road at a total cent of £7295, of which wages win be leaving a loan of £3373 to he raised. On the motion of Cr. Macdonald. If was decided that the schedule a t works be approved and submitted to the Government subject to any alteration lathe sub-committee appointed.