BURNHAM SOLDIERS BUILD THEIR OWN GARAGES

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28542, 22 March 1958, Page 6

BURNHAM SOLDIERS BUILD THEIR OWN GARAGES

Soldiers living with their, families in houses at Burnham are building their own garages under a new Army do-it-your-self scheme.

The scheme was instituted because of a Ministry ot Works labour shortage and a desire not to divert labour to unessential constructional work. The men who build their own garages have materials and instructions supplied, free supervision and advice as they work and subsequent occupation of the' garages at reduced rentals. The garages are made of con £ Crete block walls and iron roofs. Eighteen single and multiple units are now being put up at Burnham. Before the scheme began a course in block-laying was given to eight men who wanted to build their own garages to standard patterns (20ft by 10ft for a single unit). These men passed on their knowledge and helped neighbours who later decided they wanted garages too. “They are making a very fine job of them too.” the officer commanding the Southern District Construction Squadron (Major E. W. Boyle) said yesterdy. "The work is done under the supervision of the squadron and the works officer keeps an eye on

them to see that no mistakes are made.** The book value of the garages when greeted is £l2O for a single unit and £2lO for a double unit but the actual cost of building by private contract is estimated te > be more than double those figures. Under normal circumstance* A', when the Army or the Ministry Jf -'i of Works builds garages, tenant* 1 are charged rent at the rate of *'* 7s 4d a week; as a reward for * labour in the construction of *< : valuable asset the soldier-built garages are let at 4s Id a week to the builders.