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4
SECTION A.
SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA
Orpington was made an Urban District of 20.842 acres in
1934, and since that date has developed rapidly from a 33,000
population to a 58,320 population in 1948. The northern part of
the district is urban in character ; the southern largely rural.
Light industries have developed in the St. Mary Cray Ward.
There are now some 165 factories of various characters within
the district.
The south-eastern boundary of the district is defined by a
ridge of the North Downs, and the northern boundary by the
main railway line to the N.E. Kent Coast, the area being divided
into four main water sheds, all draining towards the north.
The administrative centre, with a civic hall for 480 persons,
is situated close to the Orpington Railway Station, within easy
access of the main populated areas, and readily accessible by bus
service from the outlying districts.
The Council maintains twelve parks and recreation grounds
of some 175 acres; 1,383 acres have been purchased jointly by
the L.C.C. and K.C.C. as part of the Green Belt land, the major
portion being leased to and managed by the Orpington Council.