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With regard to the first question, that of dilapidation, it is
to be observed that much of the property in the Borough is old,
and some of it very old. Houses, like human beings, decay and
wear out, and there is no doubt that many of our Bermondsey
dwellings, having long exceeded their allotted span are now dragging
out a weary existence to the great discomfort of their inmates.
My predecessor used to teach in private, though I am not
aware that he ever expounded the idea in public, that houses
should be built to last for a period of fifty years, at the end of
which time they should be compulsorily demolished. Though
obviously impracticable there is yet something to be said in favour
of this idea. Old houses are often unfit as dwelling places, not
only on account of their decrepitude, but also because they do
not, and frequently cannot be made to, comply with modern
requirements as to construction. There is only one satisfactory
way of dealing with old and dilapidated property and that is
by demolition and reconstruction. This could, of course, be
done house by house, but piecemeal methods have nothing to
commend them, and it is therefore the practice to mark out
definite "areas" for improvement. Procedure in this case is
governed strictly by law and is always slow. The average length
of time elapsing between the first step in the process and the
completion of the new houses is stated to be eight years. The
Salisbury Street Improvement Scheme was completed during the
year 1928, the formal opening ceremony being held on Saturday,
27th October. This area was first represented as an insanitary
area on the 21st September, 1920, so that the period elapsing in
this case was almost exactly the average period of eight years.
The Dockhead Area was represented on the 9th May, 1919,
and the improvement scheme which is that of the London County
Council is now partially completed.
The Vauban Street Area was represented on 4th May, 1926,
but no agreement has yet been arrived at in connection with the
improvement scheme for this area.
On December 4th the Rotherhithe Street (West) Area was
represented and the Council gave instructions for the preparation
of an improvement scheme.