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48
As a result the negotiations were protracted, but it was
ultimately arranged to place the property into a habitable
condition.
The works necessary for this purpose included the underpinning
of the walls and inserting of damp-proof courses, the
erection of 15 new water-closet buildings, new drainage to the
whole of the houses, concreting for a width of 8 feet along
the back, the provision of concrete over the site, new joists
and floors; staircases, window-frames, roofs, doors, &c., were
overhauled and new provided where necessary. A stormwater
sewer was laid by the owners, and the whole of the
property was roughcasted. It is now in a thoroughly habitable
condition.
No. 121, Wood Street.
It will be remembered that I was unable to secure the
closure of this property, owing to an inmate being bedridden,
as it was thought at the time that her removal would
involve risk.
I am pleased to say that this difficulty has now been
got over, the occupiers electing to remove themselves, and
the bedridden person being moved by the kindly aid of the
St. John Ambulance. The cottage is now empty, and as the
owner has persistently ignored the notices of the Council,
steps are being taken to secure its demolition.
Oak Cottage, Bells Hill.
This cottage, which was closed in the previous year,
was demolished without it being necessary to serve a notice
to this effect.
Nos. 1 to 4, Black Horse Cottages.
The necessary period having elapsed, these cottages,
which were closed in the previous year, were reported to the
Council with a view to securing their demolition. Orders
were accordingly made, and the owners demolished the
cottages.
In this connection a footpath over land in front of this
property was closed as a result of an application to Quarter
Sessions. This footpath was of no value, and frequent
complaints had been received of nuisances committed upon
the land.