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STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
OF THE AREA
Area (in acres) 3,048
Population, census, 1931 26,249
Population, census, 1961 32,588
Registrar-General's estimate of resident population for 1963 32,560
Number of inhabited houses, 1931 7,092
Number of inhabited houses, 1963 10,417
Rateable Value £2,253,441
Sum represented by penny rate £9,400
The Urban District of Beddington and Wallington was constituted
in 1915 by an Order of the Surrey County Council, the area up to that
time being part of the Croydon Rural District.
By an Order in Council, dated 20th August, 1937, H.M. King George
VI granted a charter to Beddington and Wallington, which was presented
on the 15th September, 1937, by the Lord Lieutenant of the County
of Surrey.
The Borough is bounded on the east by the County Borough of
Croydon, to the north by the Borough of Mitcham, to the west by the
Carshalton Urban District, and to the south by the Urban District
of Coulsdon and Purley.
By the London Government Act of 1963, under which there are
established new administrative areas to be known as London Boroughs,
Beddington and Wallington will cease as and from the 1st April, 1965,
to be a separate unit of local government administration. From that date
it will be joined up with the former Urban District of Carshalton and
the Municipal Borough of Sutton and Cheam. to form the new London
Borough of Sutton.
During the 27 years of existence, the Borough has shown very
considerable development. The mainly residential character has been
maintained and expanded, mostly in the southern part. The centre of
the town in recent years, however, has shown a newer type of residential
development with the introduction of blocks of flats. Reorganised shop
centres are under construction and there has also been an expansion of
office accommodation. While the town can be described as in part a
London dormitory, there is much more employment available locally.
Factories in the Borough provide employment for some 10,000 people,
these being situated mostly in the northern part of the Borough.
New development is contemplated on the site of the former Croydon
Aerodrome. A very comprehensive plan has been approved and it is
hoped in a few years to see a completely developed new area comprising
houses, schools, shops and offices. This site has an area of 407 acres,
and it is proposed to house 5,230 persons, the total number of houses
being 1,848.
Parks and open spaces continue to toe well maintained, and give
breathing space and facilities for open-air recreational activities. Beddington
Park and Grange Park are used as much as ever, and are an
estimable boon during the holiday months to children and parents, who
are unable to go away for a holiday.
The pleasing residential character of the district is well maintained
and is much appreciated by many City workers, who return home to
pleasant relaxation in their gardens and allotments in the evenings.
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