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145
under a scheme recommended by the Borough Surveyor to the Public
Health and Housing Committee for reconstruction on improved lines by
Messrs. Morton.
Bow Common Lane Sewer.
The Borough Surveyor reported to the Works Committee the
subsidence of a sewer in Bow Common Lane, near its junction with
Devons Boad, and the formation of large cavities under the street as the
result of the percolation of sewage and surface water. The sewer was
constructed in 1867, and a 4-foot gas main was subsequently constructed
immediately above the sewer. Premises in the neighbourhood have been
flooded in consequence of the breakage. The clearance of the sewer
was a work of much difficulty. The work of repairing the sewer was
carried out by the Borough Surveyor.
Reconstruction of Sewer, Mellish's and Burney's Wharves.
The Borough Surveyor reported to the Works Committee that
complaints had been made as to the condition of an old brick barrel
sewer lying inside the building line of Mellish's and Burney's Wharves,
West Ferry Boad. The barrel had been formed on the site of an open
ditch, and its position made the work of examination and cleansing
exceptionally arduous. It was also found that the original flow of the
sewer was southwards, but, when the Millwall Dock was constructed
the end of the sewer nearest the dock entrance had been blocked up and
the other end connected to the London County Council sewer, without
regard to the fact that the gradient was the reverse way. Consequently
an accumulation of filth had gradually filled up the barrel. A line of 9in.
pipes was laid by the Borough Surveyor in the barrel, after clearing it
out, with a proper gradient southwards and new connections to the
London County Council sewer.
Floodings, Union Street, Poplar.
Complaints had been received at various times of floodings of the
basements of houses in Union Street, Poplar, due to the insufficient
depth of the sewer. In the extended portion of Union Street a new
sewer had been laid by the Borough Surveyor for the London County
Council, and it was proposed by the Borough Surveyor that the sewer
between East India Dock Boad and Ashton Street should be reconstructed
at a lower level and connected to the new sewer. The Works Committee
recommended the Council, upon the suggestion of the Borough Surveyor,