View report page

16
London
County Council
(General
Powers) Bill.
This Bill provides, amongst other things, for
the widening of York Road, Wandsworth,
and the purchase of a site in Gleneagle Road,
Streatham, for the purpose of the Metropolitan Fire
Brigade Acts ; and also contains provisions for carrying
into effect the proposal to purchase land in Putney
Bridge Road for an open space or public recreation
ground mentioned in last year's annual report. It
has, however, been found that part of this land will cost
more than was anticipated. The estimated price was
£31,300, but in all probability the cost, including legal
and other expenses, will exceed that sum by at least
£1,000. The contribution of the County Council was
limited to £15,500 ; the Board promised £10,000; and
the subscriptions received (including £5,000 from Dr.
Longstaff, L.C.C.) amount to £5,800, making together
the above-mentioned sum of £31,300. In order to secure
the land the Board have undertaken to bear all the expenses
of and in connection with the purchase over and
above the estimated cost. The widening of the Wandsworth
portion of York Road is estimated to cost £9,900,
one-fourth of which sum will be paid by this Board.
The Board suggested that, in addition to the improvement
shown on the deposited plan, the Council should
repealed, and should in no case be in force after
September 1st, 1899. A Bill has accordingly been
introduced by the Company this Session to empower
them to acquire lands, to construct works, to take
additional water from the river Thames, and to raise
additional capital. The Board decided not to oppose
the Bill, but they requested the London County Council,
who appeared in opposition, to see that provision was
made that the Bill should not have the effect of increasing
the value of the Company's undertaking in the
event of its purchase by a public authority. The Bill
has passed the House of Commons.