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

July 7 th . Another letter was received from Mr Heap with regard to the operating lease of the Tramway. The Committee also discussed the repairing of the pavements accompanying the tram lines, but following considerable debate the matter was dropped. The Committee resolved to settle the account of Thomas Cronshaw for plastering work completed at the Ellison Street tram depot and authorised Cllrs Maden and Waddington to accompany the Borough Surveyor to examine the slating on the tramway depot roof. July 13 th . A ‘special Sub-Committee’ was set up to be responsible for any contract regarding the Tramway. This consisted of Alderman Haywood (Chair), His Worship the Mayor (Alderman Smith) and Cllr Sprake. The Committee ‘again’ considered the report by Messrs Broome, Murray & Co. on the tenders submitted by Mr John Sharples and Messrs Green and Burleigh. This report was approved and adopted. July 21 st . The Committee considered the account of Messrs Smith, Patterson & Company, for ‘special tram crossing patterns’. The Committee resolved to settle this account following a deduction of £12 – 10 shillings, for five sets of points which had already been delivered to Messrs Green & Burleigh, and for which they were liable. The Town Clerk reported the Council had received a writ from J. H. Lynde of Manchester, with regard to an infringement of his patent Tramway lines. It was resolved that the Mayor and Town Clerk meet with Mr Lynde and compensate him for the full amount of his claim. July 28 th . The Mayor and Town Clerk reported back on their successful meeting with Mr J. H. Lynde as to settling his claim for a royalty. The Committee considered a further tender for operation of the Tramway from Mr J. H. Heap and a Mr John Duckworth. These matters were adjourned for twenty-four hours, whilst the Town Clerk was authorised to invite Mr Heap to be in attendance at 7pm (19:00) the next day. July 29 th . Present at this extraordinary meeting of the General Works Committee were the Mayor Alderman Smith and Councillors Lupton, Moorby, Sprake and Waddington. The details of Mr Heap’s tender offering to execute a provisional agreement for the lease to operate the fully equipped Tramway, for a term of seven (7) years at the following rent payable - In addition to the above, a payment of £4 per every £100 on the cost of the proposed extensions in Clayton-le-Moors and Oswaldtwistle. It was resolved unanimously by the Committee to recommend to the full Council they should enter into a provisional agreement with Mr Heap for the lease of the Tramway at the rents stated in his tender, such an agreement to contain certain clauses for the due protection of the Corporation. Plus other terms and conditions approved by the Town Clerk on behalf of the Corporation, subject to the approval of the Board of Trade, also in respect of the provisions contained in the Tramways Act of 1870, and the Accrington Steam Tramways Act of 1882. Also in July 1885, Mr J. S. Button was appointed to the post of Borough Surveyor to Accrington Corporation at a salary of £180 per annum, whilst Mr N. Green Jnr was appointed Assistant Surveyor to the Borough at a salary of £80 per annum. August 4 th . Following an inspection of the roof and slating of the new Tramway depot on Ellison Street, the Committee were of the opinion that the work was not done in a proper manner, and the slate was sub standard to that which had been specified in the original tender. The Town Clerk was authorised to summon Messrs Eli Knowles, Evans & Co. and H. Ramsbottom to attend the next meeting of the General Works Committee to explain these criticisms. The Committee however, did resolve to settle the account of Mr Richard Nuttall (joiner), and Messrs Carter & Sons (plumbers) for their work at the new tram depot. A letter from a Mr M. H. Smith was read out to the meeting on the subject of the supply of electricity to the Tramway, but its contents were disregarded. August 18 th . A letter was read out from roofer Eli Knowles who declined to attend any meetings until after his account had been paid. Following consideration of this account a decision was deferred for two • Year 1 = £1,000. • Year 2 = £1,100. • Year 3 = £1,200. • Year 4 = £1,300. • Year 5 = £1,400. • Year 6 = £1,500. • Year 7 = £1,600.

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