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

their charges for use of this facility. It was unanimously resolved to the terms agreed by the deputation and the Tramway Company be accepted, and they were authorised to negotiate the ‘best terms possible’ with the Blackburn Tramway Company for the continued use of the passing loop. May A letter ( dated May 3 rd ) was received from the Blackburn Tramway Company, stating they were willing to enter into negotiations with the Accrington Steam Tramway Company with regard to their passing loop situated in front of the Commercial Hotel in Church. This was subject to them receiving the full amount they were owed for the past use of this crossing £105. It was resolved that a copy of this letter be forwarded to the Tramway Company, asking if they were willing to pay one half of this demand, providing the Corporation paid the balance. A letter ( dated May 10 th ) was received from Mr W. H. Kearns of Kearns Allan, Baxenden, alleging that “due to the bad state of the tramway rails”, an accident involving their coachman and his daughter had occurred. The Town Clerk was authorised to serve notice on the Tramway Company to affect all the necessary repairs. The Committee also considered complaints about the excess of steam and smoke coming out of the Tramway engines. It was resolved that the Tramway Company’s attention be focused on these complaints, with a speedy request for a remedy. They also expressed the view the police should pay greater attention to the source of these complaints, and to take proceedings for any further repetition of these offences. June The Town Clerk reported he had communicated with the Board of Trade to seek their opinion they had with regard to an extension of the Tramway Company’s lease for a further seven years, the first term having just expired. It was resolved that the Town Clerk reply to the Tramway Company repudiating any Council responsibility for the tram lines being ‘in bad condition and requiring repairs’, pointing out that when the Company had taken them over they had expressed their satisfaction that the lines had been well constructed. Also that the Company’s Chairman had been a member of the General Works Committee during the entire period of construction, so would be well acquainted with their condition. The Borough Surveyor was authorised to inspect the lines with the officials of the Tramway Company, to point out the places where in the opinion of this Committee repairs were necessary. The Committee also gave their approval of the Town Clerk’s actions in contacting the Board of Trade with regard to a continuation of the use of steam traction for a further seven years. July A letter ( dated June 13 th ) from the Board of Transport informed the Council that they had now received an application from the Accrington Steam Tramways Company, for a renewal of their authority to use steam power on the Tramway. The Board of Trade said they had appointed Major-General Hutchinson RE.CB to inspect and report to them on this application. They also had a letter from Major General Hutchinson stating he would visit Accrington on Thursday the 22 nd next, for the purpose of this inspection. It was resolved that a deputation consisting of the Mayor, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Alderman Kenyon and Cllr Radcliffe meet with the Major-General and accompany him on this inspection. August A communication was received from the Board of Trade, referring to the continued use of steam traction on the Tramway. The Board would sanction this up until December 31 st , 1903, the sanction for further use being on condition the engines were fitted with ‘life protectors’, the cars with emergency brakes and both with screw couplings. Also the Barker rails to be replaced by Girder rails and the paving kept in good repair. Alderman Kenyon, who had only recently become a Director of the Tramway Company, assured the Committee that it was taking steps to comply with all of the Board of Trade’s requirements. September Alderman Kenyon reported the Tramway Company had been successful in gaining the consent of the owners and tenants of the properties opposite the proposed new passing place of the Tramway in Church. The Town Clerk reported the results of a meeting with Mr Hepworth, one of the landlords. It was resolved unanimously that the Borough Surveyor be authorised to carry out the laying down of the new terminus, the Tramway Company being required to supply and fix the Girder rails. (A letter was received from the Secretary of the Accrington Corporation Steam Tramway Company which read as follows). To A.H. AITKEN (Town Clerk), ACCRINGTON. September 28 th , 1893.

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