South Yorkshire Times July 20, 1957
1,000 Post-War Houses at Swinton
Urban Council Throw Open Three For Public Inspection
Special Ceremonies Mark A Milestone In Civic Progress
Three thousand have been accommodated in new Council houses at Swinton since the war
The 1,000 post-war dwelling, part of the Thomas Street scheme, was recently completed, and in recognition of this three of the newest houses ore to be on display, fully furnished, to the public tomorrow (Saturday).
Furnishings Too
On view are a three-bedroom house, a twin bedroom type, and an old folk’s bungalow. Furniture in selected dwellings is being supplied by the well-known West Melton firm of Messrs. Edward Smith and Sons, Ltd.
The three-bedroom type of house features a through living-room, kitchen, and separate bathroom and W.C, on the first floor. There is also a generous storehouse. The twin-bedroom house has a combined bathroom and W.C.
Rents are controlled by a pool. and since the war no Council house In Swinton (with the exception of seven professional-type houses) has been let at above a £1 5s. 10d. for weekly rent and rates.
The Council’s yearly housing target since the war has been 100. How does this compare with other urban councils? “Very favourably,” said Clerk to the Council (Mr. A. Maclean). “It must be remembered that there are no N.C.B. houses In Swinton.”
The Tenants
So the Council feel they have achieved something to be proud of. There was a public display in 1951 when the 500th house had been completed. and tomorrow the Chairman of the Council, Coun. W. Bentham, J.P.. and the Chairman of the Housing Committee, Counc, Mrs. W. Lawrence. will be present to perform the opening ceremonies. The houses are Nos. 78 and 80, St. John’s Road, and No. 29, St Mary’s Crescent. Nominated tenants are Mr. E. Brook, Mr. A. Reader and Mr. T. W. Insley. When the Thomas Street site has been constructed here, 100 houses have been constructed there. One hundred and forty-two are in course of construction.
Approximately £1,250,000 has been spent on housing in Swinton since the war. Twelve contractors have given their assistance on six schemes — Highfleld Farm. Chapel Hill. Wood Farm, Woodend, Broadway and Hatherley Road.
The rents of the three types of houreos on show tomorrow are: three-bedroom £1 4s. 11d., twin-bedroom 19s ,10d., and the bungalow 13s
Mr. Macmillan’s Letter
Main contractors for the 41 Swinton U.D.C. bungalows, including the specimen old people’s bungalow which is on view are Messrs. Utley and Farmery, of Majestic Buildings, Wath-on-Dearne,
One of the landmarks in this flrm’s progress’ was their transcription of the 1,999th house since the war for Doncaster Borough Council. The Rt Hon. Harold Macmillan, present Prime Minister, and then Housing Minister formally opened the 2000th house. Messrs. Utley and Farmery treasure a letter from Mr. Macmillan congratulating them on the quality of their houses, and the speed with which they had been erected.
Contractors for the two and three-bedroom type houses on the Thomas Street Site are Messrs. S. G. and A. E. Burdett of Denaby. By the time the present contract has been completed they will have built 206 twin bedroom and three-bedroom type houses on this site.
Their first contract was for 97 houses. Their work was so satisfactory that Swinton U.D.C. gave them a further contract for 106 houses. The firm have done extensive r work for Conisbrough U.D.C.