Accrington on Rails - The Tramways: A Complete History - Robert Kenyon

Yours Faithfully, Joseph

Smith. It was resolved the Town Clerk should reply that Accrington Council could not see their way to comply with these requirements. The Town Clerk then requested the authority of the Committee with regard to the publication of the formal notices in connection with their Parliamentary Tramways Bill. He was empowered to insert each notice in one issue of the Accrington Observer and the Gazette alternately at a cost of not more than six pence per line. The General Works Committee heard complaints about the “wet and greasy rails” in front of the Market Hall and opposite the foot of Lonsdale Street on Blackburn Road. This was put down to the poor repair of the tram lines, and of water dripping down from the engines and trailer cars. The Town Clerk was authorised to write to the Tramway Company to point out these matters. The Town Clerk reported to the Legal & Parliamentary Committee that he had received a request from Clayton-le-Moors District Council to allow their deputation to meet with the Committee, to discuss the proposed Tramway Bill. It was resolved that the Chairman and Town Clerk would meet with this deputation. The proposed meeting with the deputation from Clayton-le-Moors District Council took place, and the Legal & Parliamentary Committee heard the Clayton contingent’s request for double lines to be laid through Clayton with the extensions through to the Forts Arms. They also heard the deputation’s request to have a clause inserted in the Bill to allow them to supply current to run the electric cars within their boundaries. A ‘friendly’ debate took place after which the deputation retired after agreeing to submit the following terms, subject to the approval of the sub-committee. 1. Section 64 of the 1882 Act for the protection of Clayton Local Board, (now a District Council), would be repealed. 2. The suggestion of double lines throughout Clayton-le Moors along with the proposed extensions to the Forts Arms should be withdrawn. 3. The District Council would have the powers of purchase after a period of ten years, under Section 43 of the Tramway Act 1870. 4. The supply of electricity would depend upon Clayton D.C. purchasing the lines within their district. 5. That Accrington Corporation would gain the approval of the Board of Trade to lay down double lines between the two passing loops nearest to the Clayton terminus and whilst doing so, consider lengthening the existing passing loops in order to remove any possible source of danger or inconvenience to other vehicular traffic. It was also resolved the Town Clerk should write to the Tramway Company protesting about the use of salt on the tramway during frosty and wintry weather. December The Chairman and Town Clerk reported to the Legal & Parliamentary Committee on a meeting that had recently taken place between them and Oswaldtwistle District Council, with regard to the ‘special’ clauses contained within the Bill for their protection. These clauses were settled and it was agreed they would be inserted into the Bill. A letter from the Town Clerk’s office was read out. It stated a meeting would be called in Accrington Town Hall on January 5 th , 1905 to consider the promotion by the Council, in the ensuing session of Parliament the Bill which had been posted in both Houses of Parliament entitled - “A Bill authorising the Corporation of Accrington to construct and operate tramways, and to execute all works and improvements with regard to the construction of the same.” 1905 ( In 1905 prior to the expiry of the twenty-one years lease, Accrington Corporation promoted a Bill in Parliament for permission to electrify the tramway. This was given consent, and was known as the Accrington Corporation Act of 1905. With the die cast for electrification much of the business of the year would be concerned with progressing a Bill through Parliament and overcoming by negotiation some of the opposition put forward by other ‘interested’ parties. The Corporation were again having to push the Steam Tramway Company to maintain the upkeep of the Ellison Street depot so as to have it back in a reasonable condition.) January The Town Clerk and the Borough Surveyor reported to the Legal & Parliamentary Committee on their visit to the House of Commons’ Examiner of Private Bills and supplied proof of compliance with

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