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97
In order to get the proper perspective, however, it must be recalled that
Barking was a progressive housing authority before the Act of 1930. So long ago
as the year 1890, the Barking Council erected their first Municipal Estate.
It will also be recalled that in 1926 they succeeded in clearing an unhealthy
area known as Parsons Row, consisting of 52 dwellings, so that the standard of
housing in the district has been one of increasing values for many years.
The war created a definite boundary between past and future ideas of working
class houses, and now the minimum standard house in rehousing schemes is one
which is not only fit from the point of view of the structure, but provides:—
(1) A bedroom for the parents and sufficient sleeping rooms to accommodate
and separate the sexes of the children as they grow to maturity.
(2) Bath accommodation for every family.
In addition the house should contain such conveniences and amenities as will
tend to promote to the full a healthy and contented home life.
Throughout their activities your officers have had in mind the dictum that there
is a minimum standard of health, decency and convenience which should be expected,
before additions and conversions in existing houses can be considered worth while,
and in this they know they have the support of the whole of the members of the
Council.
We are anxious to remove the drab streets of mean and inconvenient houses
and much has already been accomplished.
The most general improvement is to be noticed in the arrangement or lay-out
of the new housing sites, the reduced density of the dwellings (with one notable
exception), and the provision of open spaces in connection with them.
In referring to these open spaces, I want to stress the fact that the abuse now
given, and the destruction of the shrubs, is I feel sure just a passing phase, due to
the lack of education of the people in the use of these amenities. I should be sorry
to see the Council return to the asphalted and concreted common yards or forecourts
reminiscent of earlier communal development.
What I do say is that during this phase protect the amenities provided in such a
way as to reduce the damage to the minimum and take steps to educate, if necessary
by punishment of the offenders.