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77
prepared to recommend the re-establishment of the Escape Station in question. We
have, however, given further consideration to the whole question of protection from fire
in the locality, and we have received a further report on the subject from the chief officer.
He states that, when he last advised us on the subject, he was under the impression
that the new road to be constructed from Lower Road, Rotherhithe, to Commercial Dock
Road through some of the Surrey Commercial Docks would be free from all obstructions,
but that it now appears that the thoroughfare will be obstructed by two swing
bridges, apart from the swing bridge in Commercial Dock Road over Lady Dock, that is
to say, there will be between the Rotherhithe Fire Engine Station and Rotherhithe
Street no less than three bridges liable to be open at any moment.
The area is practically an island, and is roughly in the shape of a horseshoe, in the
centre of which Rotherhithe Street, which is nearly two miles long, runs. When it is
stated that, from the centre of that portion of Rotherhithe Street which is cut off by
bridges from the rest of the locality, the distance in one direction to the Rotherhithe
Fire Station is a mile and a half, and in the other direction a mile and three-quarters, it
will be seen that any delay arising from swing bridges being open at a time when fire appliances
have to pass might lead to a serious result. In order to protect the neighbourhood
by means of Hand Fire Escapes there would have to be at least three machines, for
working which five men would be required, but the firemen would be on duty by night
only, and further would only be able to save life within a comparatively small radius from
the points where they were stationed. The locality contains large factories, oil-mills,
and timber stores, and, with a view to providing adequate protection for property as well
as for life, the chief officer suggests that a sub-station should be established near Lavender
Dock, distant rather more than a mile and a half from the Rotherhithe Station. The
proposed station would be equipped with a pair of horses and an Escape mounted on a
van containing fire-extinguishing appliances, and the staff by which it would be necessary
to augment the Brigade to enable duty to be carried on would be one officer, five
firemen, and a coachman. We think such a station should be established in due course,
but, as some years will be occupied in acquiring a suitable site, preparing plans, and
erecting a permanent building, the cost of which will probably be not less than £7,000,
we propose that on a site being secured there shall be erected thereon a temporary structure
to provide accommodation for the staff and appliances. In order to give the Council
an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the proposal we have forwarded to the
Finance Committee an estimate of £100 in respect of preliminary expenses, and we recommend
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