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148
months in which, in the ordinary course, they would have been closed at an earlier
hour. This has been done for the convenience of the residents of the locality, and
has been much appreciated by them. We have now been asked to extend this
benefit by leaving the gates open until twelve o'clock at night all the year round.
We think this should be agreed to, for the situation and configuration of the park
are such as to inflict considerable hardship upon persons wishing to get from parts
of Bermondsey to Rotherhithe, and vice-Verd, after the park is closed. The
distance across the Park from Southwark Park Road to Gomm Road is about 370
yards, but to arrive at the same points after the park gates are shut involves a
journey of at least 1,460 yards.
The Council will recognise the desirableness of this concession to the working
population of the two districts and their families, when it is explained that on the
eastern side of the park are the Surrey Commercial Docks, the Baths and
Washhouses, the Free Library, St. Winifred's Institute, and St. Olave's Infirmary,
besides the New Town Hall and the Vestry Offices, whilst on the west side are large
manufactories, the local market, and the Spa Road Station on the South Eastern
Railway. The efficiency of the Fire Brigade will also be improved, as the engines
from Gomm Road Station will be able to get through the park into Bermondsey
without having to stop and unlock the gates as is now the case. Some small
expense will necessarily be involved in conferring this boon upon the inhabitants,
and although it is not specifically provided for in the estimates it can be paid out
of the contingency fund for next year.
We recommend—That the central road through Southwark Park be kept open,
during the pleasure of the Council, until midnight; and that, subject to an
estimate being submitted to it by the Finance Committee, as required by the
statute, the Council do authorise an expenditure of £'250 for the erection of fencing
and gates along each side of the road referred to, an expenditure of £100 for the
provision of gas lamps and the necessary connections thereto, and a further
estimated annual expenditure of £8 for the lighting of the same.
So the A estry may well congratulate themselves upon the result of their efforts in
having seemed the use of the roadway without any charge to the local rates.