1920
History > Before 1923 > 1919
c1920
c1920
Proposal for a bowling green on the site of the Company Rows
Proposal for a bowling green on the site of the Company Rows
On 13th July 1923 the Consett Guardian reported on Consett Iron Co. gifting 95 houses to the Council. The report referred to a plan from "about three years ago" which included Council Chambers and a bowling green on the site of the Company Rows.
95 OLD HOUSES GIVEN TO THE DISTRICT COUNCILNotices served by the Consett Iron Co, Ltd., upon the tenants of 95 houses in Consett expired on Saturday and the whole of the property came into possession of the Consett Urban District Council as a gift to the town.The dwellings in question constitute what is commonly known as the “Company Rows” situated at the rear of Middle Street and Medomsley Road, two main thoroughfares, in the oldest portion of the town. The transfer does not include the row abutting Front Street nor the terrace facing Trafalgar Street and a subsequent row.The houses transferred were built some 70 years ago, when Consett was in its infancy the town then being known as “Berry Edge”. They comprise two rooms with scullery, and were each run up at a cost of less than £40 apiece. By a special agreement the rents were 3s 4d weekly, the tenants being supplied with free coals by the Consett Iron Co.It is stated that after allowing for the cost of coal in recent years, paying the rates, effecting repairs, and carrying out the cleansing of streets and scavenging, the firm lost between 8d and 9d a week upon each house.Both front and back streets remained in the hands of the Consett Co,. the front thoroughfares being between 60 and 70 feet wide. Although the habitations are showing signs of decay, plenty of fresh air and light is accessible, and the rows have been regarded as the healthiest part of the town, and have been immune from infectious disease.About three years ago the Consett Company offered these houses to the Council on certain conditions – that an equivalent number of houses should be erected by the authorities before any attempt was made to turn out the occupants and demolish the property.There were other stipulations which the council could not undertake to carry out at the time; but these difficulties have so far been overcome that the Council have taken over the liabilities.In any event, the dismantling of the houses cannot be long deferred, because some years ago the cottages were condemned by the County Council.When the first offer was made, the then Surveyor (Mr Hargeaves) propounded a scheme for the erection of new Council Chambers and offices on the site, together with a bowling green, etc, as a public war memorial, at an estimated outlay of about £10,000, but the suggestion was turned down.The Consett Urban Council discussed the gift in committee at its meeting last Wednesday Night, and decided that the supply of free coal should cease, but that the rents be reduced to 2s 9d a week as from July 7th.Of course the Consett Iron Co. will have to continue providing any miners who live in the houses with free coal, by virtue of their employment.
The Company Rows - demolition in the 1920s
