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strengthening the embankment on the north side of the
river.
2. As regards Ladywell—That the Company should widen
the bridge over the river 5 feet, making the road one uniform
width of 25 feet, on being permitted to increase the rate of
inclination of the approach on the east side to 1 in 17.
3. As regards Catford Bridge—That the Company should
take down the then bridge, and build a new one with a
water-way equal to that between the piers of the iron tube
sewer adjoining, and make the roadway over the bridge of
a uniform width of 25 feet, on being permitted to increase
the rate of inclination of both approaches to 1 in 17.
Notices have been served (in December) upon the Board of applications
intended to be made to Parliament for Acts for the construction
of further railways in the district; the one from the
Greenwich Junction to Dartford, crossing the turnpike road in
Lewisham Village; the other a direct London and Sydenham Railway.
As regards both proposed railways, the Board have taken
measures for securing as far as practicable the public convenience.
The provisions of the Act for maintaining a regular line of building
in the streets or roads, though in many cases involving individual
hardship, have been readily complied with, except in the
instance of three houses which were being erected at the corner of
Brockley Lane. Here the Board were totally defied, and the houses
being rapidly proceeded with in spite of repeated notices, they determined
to exercise the power vested in them under such circumstances,
and demolished the buildings. An action was in consequence
commenced against the Board, but shortly afterwards discontinued,
and brought against their Surveyor. This, however, has
not been prosecuted.
Three general orders have been made by the Board affecting the
highways:—That all outside shop blinds shall hang at least 7 feet
from the ground; that all gates opening immediately upon any
road shall be made to open inwards only; and that no trees shall
be allowed prejudicially to affect any road by hanging over it.
WATERING.
For some years past the roads of Blackheath have been watered
by private arrangement, each occupier contributing what he thought
right towards the expense, the Highway Board having no power to
make a rate for the purpose. Express power is, however, given
(sect. 116) to the Board, of which they have availed themselves as
regards about two miles of the roads on Blackheath. The expense
is levied by rate on the occupiers of the property adjoining the
roads which are watered, and amounts to about £200 per annum.
The water is supplied by the Kent Waterworks Company at £60