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bridge in the manner proposed, and agreeing to contribute £200
towards the cost.
It being optional with the Sessions whether they would or
not rebuild the bridge, the Board were prepared to accept this
offer if they could succeed in obtaining a material contribution
from the Metropolitan Board, and an application was made to
them accordingly; but they regarded the rebuilding of the bridge
as a County liability, and while they fully recognized the necessity
for the work, were advised that it was one which they were not
authorised to carry out, and declined to contribute towards it.
The Board were not, however, deterred by this decision, but again,
in Octobcr, 1871, memorialized the Sessions, and on this occasion
were supported by a memorial from the Plumstead Board of
Works and by the advocacy of Mr. Lloyd, as the representative
of the two districts at the Metropolitan Bonrd of Works. This,
the third, application was successful, a resolution bring passed,
on the motion of the noble Chairman (Lord Romney), that the
County Surveyor should be instructed to prepare plans and estimates
in the usual way and take steps for the rebuilding of tho
bridge. Appended to this report are copies of the memorials of
this Board and also of the Plumstead Board.
The bridge was commenced in August, 1872, and completed
in March, 1873.
Ladywell Lane.
The improvement in this road, between the High Street of
Lewisham and the Ladywell Railway Station, by which a dangerously
narrow winding road, in some places not 15 feet in width,
was straightened and widened to forty feet throughout, was
effected by the purchase of a strip of the Vicarage premises on
the north side and the purchase of the Brockley Cottages (subsequently
resold), less the gardens, and a strip of Church Meadow
on the south side. The improvement was completed during the
present year by the payment to this Board by the Metropolitan
Board of £850 as their contribution to the cost of the work.
Sydenham Green.
This picturesque open space has been so long enjoyed by the
public that the inhabitants have with great difficulty been in-