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136
The insanitary state of the area arises from the conditions mentioned
above, the most important being the closeness of the buildings to each other, the
bad arrangement and planning, the narrowness and bad formation of the streets,
difference of levels of streets and back yards, heights of surrounding buildings,
all these factors making the area generally cramped, deficient in ventilation and
air space, and excluding a large amount of sunshine, especially from the very
centre of the area.
The type of dwellings, back and front views, is shown in photographs Nos. 5
and 6.
ABBOT STREET AREA.
This area consists of old cottage-type properties, two and four
roomed dwellings, many of the single-back type.
The majority of the dwellings form the sides of a cul-de-sac, the end of
which is shut in by high buildings in the L. M. & S. Railway Goods Yard used
as warehouses or stores. The width of the "street" varies from 16 feet to 21 feet
between the buildings—there being no forecourts.
The dwellings are situated in the centre of an industrialised locality and
built on a low-lying site which in part is some 6 feet below the immediate street
level, and are surrounded and overshadowed by high buildings.
The lack of free air circulation and consequent absence of proper internal
ventilation in the dwellings is due to the nature and position of the site already
mentioned, the proximity of surrounding and overshadowing buildings, and the
internal bad planning of the dwellings themselves, many of which are of the
single-back type. Some attempt has been made to secure adequate ventilation
of the upper room in these dwellings by the removal of a few bricks, and the
provision of a small casement window in the rear wall. These "openings" vary
considerably in size, but in no instance can they be considered adequate, nor
does their existence transform what are virtually cottages of the single-back
type into properly ventilated cottages.
The street doors open direct from the street into the living room. The
staircases, leading out of the corner of the room and directly into the
room above, are steep, winding and unprovided with natural light or direct
ventilation.
A feature very noticeable in the dwellings is the very crude form of interior
planning, and the absence of ordinary domestic comforts, privacy and convenience;
many have no sinks, and water supplies are obtained from taps fixed in the
open yard, which in some instances are used in common. All the houses are damp,
and some seriously so.
This area is badly situated, and the arrangement of the dwellings is unsatis
factory; the bad planning and the damp and worn-out condition of the dwellings,
the lack of light and air, the presence of dampness and the structural deterioration
result in very unhealthy living conditions, and an atmosphere of general depression
and discomfort.
The type of dwellings and nature of the site are shown in the photograph
No. 7.
BANISTER STREET AREA.
This area is situated in one of the poorest and oldest parts of the Borough, and,
as to be expected from its situation, embraces some very old property, Heywood
Buildings possibly being approximately 500 years old. The photograph gives an idea