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55
The Committee decided that the only practicable solution
entailed the complete clearance of the site. The establishment of
a Council controlled encampment elsewhere in St. Paul's Cray was
considered, but rejected.
Negotiations were entered into with the Kent County Council,
the London County Council, and at certain stages the Minister of
Housing and Local Government, without arriving at a satisfactory
conclusion.
The Committee then recommended that the users of Corke’s
Meadow should be offered accommodation on a nearby estate of
prefabricated houses and that no provision should be made for
those not accepting the offer.
The problem was an urgent one, as at no foreseeable phase in
the Council's housing programme would conditions be more
favourable for the move than in the second half of 1957.
The necessary arrangements were made, and between the
months of July and November, 1957, virtually all of those on the
site were re-housed, 110 families in all. This was an operation of
considerable magnitude and complexity. It was carried through
jointly with the Clerk and Housing Manager. It involved not
only the physical moving of the families’ furnishings often unsuitable
for use in a house, but the disposal of their erstwhile homes
and a complete re-orientation of their mode of life.
Although opposition was voiced by certain residents in streets
adjoining the prefabricated housing estate, other bodies lent a hand
in providing equipment and assisting in the rehabilitation of the
people from Corke’s Meadow.
Difficulties have arisen, subsequently, the principal problem
being concerned with parking of vehicles used by occupants for
their businesses.
These are being solved, and it might well be said that
Christmas, 1957, which for many children was the first spent under
a proper roof, indeed forecast a healthier future.
A serious public health problem has been solved. Corke's
Meadow is being prepared for use as an industrial estate.