Mexborough and Swinton Time June 7, 1929

Insanitary Conditions in Kilnhurst

A Kilnhurst correspondent writes to draw attention to bad sanitary conditions in this village.

“I notice,” he says, “that the Swinton Council are perturbed over the smallpox epidemic. The last one cost the district £3000, and the present one is estimated to cost £400.

Is there any wonder that smallpox or any other disease breaking out in this area when in our yard on March 3 the middens fell down, and our efforts to move the sanitary authorities as well as the owner of the property to get the place put right have so far failed.

The middens have not been emptied since that day, as the buildings are too dangerous for the council’s employees to work in.

With the warm weather, the stench is awful. There are four houses in the yard affected, and these are inhabited by 21 persons, all of whom have to resort to the sanitary accommodation in the next yard, from which three cases of smallpox have been taken. We think it is time something was done in the matter.”

We agree and we are glad to be informed that the Urban District Council has now taken appropriate action, but for three months these people have had to endure conditions to which no one should be exposed for a day