South Yorkshire Times, January 23rd,1960
Fate Of Ten Houses
Discussed At Kilnhurst Clearance Inquiry
The condition of ten four-roomed houses in Thomas Street, Kilnhurst, Nos. 22 to 31, inclusive, was discussed at a Swinton inquiry on Tuesday when an objection was raised by Mr. G. W. Wilcox against the Swinton, Thomas Street, Kilnhurst Clearance Order made out by Swinton Urban Council last year.
Mr. R. E. Barry, Inspector of the Ministry of Local Government, conducted the hearing at Swinton Council offices.
Only Objection
Clerk to Swinton Urban Council, Mr. A. Maclean, said Mr. Wilcox was the only objector. He said the property was dangerous, injurious to the inhabitants and the only satisfactory method of dealing with it was demolition. He said there would be suitable accommodation found by the council for the present occupants. Mr. D.J. Cusiter, Medical Officer, said the houses were unfit for human habitation and some of the cellars had been flooded following excessive rain and added that the rise of the River Don had some bearing on this trouble.
Dr. Cusiter agreed with Mr. D. A. Jolly (Solicitor for Mr. Wilcox) that the position had been improved recently by the demolition of property immediately opposite the houses in question. Mr. E. Fuller, Public Health Officer, stressed the absence of a ventilated larder and lack of cooking facilities.
Regular Repairs
Mr. Wilcox said he had been retired 11 years and had owned the property for 20 years. He visited the houses regularly and looked after repairs as they were reported. He said: “I feel if money is spent on this property, it will mean an extended life of 10 years.” The present “open outlook” was as good as one could get anywhere. “You cannot have a nicer place and I think the tenants are satisfied.” Mr. Wilcox agreed that it was damp in the front rooms of the houses, but some of the dampness was cause by condensation which, he added, could be found in a council house. Mr. Wilcox said he would be willing to spend £700 on the property and evidence was given by Mr. Allan Willey, property repairer as to the repairs which he had included on a specification which amounted to £717 13s 6d. Mr. Maclean suggested that the whole of the repairs would cost about £2,000.