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SMOKE ABATEMENT
Summary of the History of the Smoke Nuisance
at Hornsey Engine Sheds
For many years annoyance and discomfort has been experienced by
the residents of North Haringey from smoke discharged from the railway
engines and engine sheds of the locomotive depot in that area.
Correspondence in connection therewith is voluminous and from time
to time smoke observations of many hours duration have been carried
out by the sanitary inspectors. The matter has been before the Council
a number of times and sub-committees have been appointed.
As far back as November, 1900, the Hornsey Urban District Council
received a deputation supported by a petition containing 136 signatures
of owners, ratepayers, and tenants.
Again in June, 1906 a serious complaint was reported to the Health
Committee and as a result four summonses were issued relating to black
smoke. A fine of twenty shillings and costs were awarded and two cases
were dismissed.
From 1907 to 1929 further complaints were received, reports were
submitted by the Medical Officer of Health and deputations attended the
meetings of the Health Committee and the Borough Council.
In May, 1929 the Health Committee considered a report by Dr. J. S.
Owens, Consulting Engineer. This report is too long to reproduce here
but he refers to certain improvements intended to be carried out by the
Railway Company as follows:—
"The coaling stage is to be replaced by a mechanical coal handling plant situated
about 100 to 120 yards west of the houses in Wightman Road, that is, about
70 to 90 yards further away from the houses than at present. The ramp and its
attendant troubles will be done away with, the waggon unloading will be by
tippler instead of by hand, and this will occupy a much shorter period, while
the loading into engine-tenders will be from hoppers with shoots suitably
arranged. Thus the period of loading locomotives will also be very much reduced.
"I think that on the whole this would be a great improvement over the present
methods, but I drew Mr. Marley's attention to the danger of dust from the
waggon tipplers and shoots, unless special care is taken to enclose them properly,
so that the wind may not blow through the stream of falling coal at any point.
"An ash-pit is to be provided, into which all locomotives must discharge their
ash, and none will therefore be dumped on the ground beside the rails, as at
present. I was informed by Mr. Marley that the scheme, including the new
coal handling plant and ash-pit, had received the sanction of the Directors, but
he could not tell me how long it would be before the scheme would be in
operation. This is a point of importance, and I therefore asked him to inquire
and let me know when the work was to be commenced and the scheme completed.
I have not, however, heard anything further on the matter. It is important that
no delay should be incurred in getting on with the proposed alterations."
The Town Clerk was instructed to press for definite information as to
the date when it was anticipated that the improved methods referred to
would be in operation and also to communicate with the Company in
regard to certain suggestions made by Dr. Owens with the view of mitigating
the nuisance arising from smoke as distinguished from dust.
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