Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

CHAPTER 6

THE LONDON & NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY YEAR 1922 January At a meeting of the General Works Committee the Town Clerk reported he had received a proposal from the L&NWR, offering part of the land they now owned adjacent to the railway arches on either side of Whalley Road, for sale to the Corporation for them to construct footpaths. They required £25 for the 133 square yards now occupied by their tenant, a Mr Fort. However, the Corporation would have to make arrangements with the tenant who had possessed a ‘right of tenancy’ under deed since March 26 th , 1847. The terms required the whole of this land to be acquired by the Corporation and then transferred to the Railway Company at the Corporation’s own expense. So as to construct a footpath and a wall as shown in their plans subject to the approval of the Railway Company’s own engineer. The Railway Company would have the right at any time in the future to extend the supports on either side of the bridgeworks. Also received was a letter from the solicitors acting on behalf of Mr Fort agreeing to convey his rights under the archway subject to the existing tenancy for the sum of £240. It was resolved to agree to these terms and to apply to the Ministry of Transport for permission to borrow the sum required for the purchase of this land and the construction of the footpaths in question. The Electricity & Tramways Committee received a copy of the London & North Western Railway Group’s (Road Transport) Bill 1922, in which the newly formed Railway Company were seeking rights, amongst others, to operate road vehicles by any classification of power for the conveyance of merchandise and passengers with their luggage in any district, with the powers to enter into contracts and agreements with any company or persons for the supply of, and working of any such road vehicles. The Town Clerk further reported that the Association of Tramway Authorities regarded this Bill as a serious threat to their interests, and that a meeting had been arranged to organise concerted action against it. It was resolved that the Town Council should authorise a petition against this Bill and join in any opposition that might be made. February At a meeting of the Town Council, in accord with the Electrical & Tramway Committee the following resolution was passed - 1) That in our judgements and in order to protect the interests of the people of this Borough, we intend to oppose the London & North Western Railway Group’s (Road Transport) Bill 1922, which is due to be introduced into Parliament in the coming Session. 2) That a Petition under the Common Seal be presented to either or both sides of the Houses of Parliament opposing the said Bill. 3) That all expenses incurred in, or in relationship to this Bill by presenting this said Petition or Petitions by this Council should be charged by them to the Borough Fund or the rates. Councillor Slack contended that the Council should be pressing the Railway Company for new platforms at Accrington Railway Station, as due to the layout of the current ones they were proving to be dangerous to the public. Following this a motion was proposed by Alderman Rawson and seconded by Councillor Slack as follows - “That this Council, in considering the Railway Station in Accrington, conclude it is quite inadequate for the population it serves. It seeks to remind the L&NW Railway of a commitment made many years ago by the L & Y of a new station. We seek to reiterate this demand for a fulfilment of this promise, and urge that early consideration be given to the claims of Accrington and District in this matter.” It was resolved to adopt this resolution.

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