FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK 3 - 9 JUNE 1974
This week's many stories include the demo outside Leathers chemicals factory, Foster Plastics alternative to timber, homeowners in Blackbrook accuse the estate's developers of breaking their word, elderly people in St Helens are to have door safety chains installed and compensation is agreed for damage that contractors and vandals caused to houses in Haresfinch and Clock Face.
We begin with some good news from Rainhill with the announcement that Stoves gas cooker firm was taking on 200 more workers. The factory had been established in 1926 but a year ago had been forced to make 120 redundancies.
Soon afterwards the Birmingham-based gas and oil heater company Valor snapped up the firm. At the time the new owners pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves. They had not only been true to their word but the successful launch of three new Valor cookers had led to the expansion of their workforce.
Suttoners had long been furious over Leathers Chemicals being in their midst with many reports of gases escaping from its sulphuric acid factory. But the Flixborough chemical plant explosion on June 1st that killed 28 workers in Lincolnshire was a frightening final straw for many.
On the 3rd the East Sutton Residents Association held a demonstration outside Leathers' Lancots Lane works demanding its closure. The demo had been planned before the disaster occurred but it was conducted with greater feelings of anger and concern. Placard-bearing protesters picketed the plant, barricaded its entrance and turned away cars and lorries. Banners asked the question: "Flixborough – Is Sutton Next?"
Among the protesters were a number of councillors, as well as Father O’Connor from Sutton Monastery, who said: "We are right in the firing line of Leathers. What happened at Flixborough could happen here – apart from the poisoning of our lungs. I think it should be closed down." Police Inspector David Johnson warned the crowd of over 60 that they might constitute an illegal assembly and told them to move on. However, Leathers' Works Manager, Alfred Keeling, did agree to meet a small deputation of the protestors.
During the previous week another fallout incident had occurred, which was being blamed on Leathers. Eleven residents of East Sutton – mainly from Baxters Lane and Massey Street – claimed that a burning mist had enveloped them. Each had completed accident report forms and these had been sent to the council's Environmental Health Department.
Recently in Haresfinch and Clock Face Road, St Helens Council had moved out a number of its tenants while improvement work was undertaken. But the builders that moved in during the day and the vandals that took over at night caused much damage. Writing recently about the council houses in Clock Face, the Reporter had said: "…workmen and the vandals have ruined their carefully kept gardens, strewn building materials and rubbish across them, set fire to garden sheds and smashed fences and windows."
On the 4th the St Helens Newspaper reported that a meeting of the council's Housing and Building Committee had decided to permit tenants to claim up to 50% compensation for any damage caused by contractors and vandals. The councillors also decided to encourage householders to insure their homes while they were away in future so as to be able to claim the remaining 50%. However, the Newspaper had spoken to an insurance company who thought policies in such circumstances would not be available.
Cllr Harry Williams told the committee meeting about the tenants' misery upon returning to their homes: "It is true to say that people have left lovely gardens and following improvements they have been smashed to eternity." But the councillors' decision to award limited compensation did not go down well with the Borough Treasurer, who said the residents had left their property at their own risk.
The Newspaper also described how 328 homeowners on the new Chain Lane estate in Blackbrook had accused builders Daleholme Estates of breaking their word. Their dispute dated back two years when the residents were told to switch off their gas boilers after a potential killer in their central heating systems was detected.
North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that the residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly fumes to blow back into their homes. The North Western Gas Board blamed Daleholme Estates for having badly installed the flues. But the developers denied responsibility, claiming their work conformed to building regulations and then later blamed the Gas Board and St Helens Corporation.
A court case followed and two months ago it was announced that Daleholme had settled out of court and agreed to pay a total of £11,500 compensation. The Chain Lane homeowners would each receive an average of £35 (about £550 in today's money), which included what was described as an "inconvenience allowance" of £15.
But the latter payment had now been withdrawn, much to the annoyance of Len Webster, Chairman of the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association, who said: "We can't accept that. We've been telling people for some time to expect a payout of about £35. This must come as a shock to everyone. I am annoyed because it makes the Association look stupid." And so the court case against the builders was being resumed.
Rockware (pictured above) also warned this week that they might have to lay off some of their 1,600 workers. The glass firm was located in Pocket Nook and a shortage of soda ash was affecting production.
On the 5th the Liverpool Daily Post stated that Foster Plastics was to build a new factory in Rainford after tremendous interest had been generated in its new product called Tufcel. That was a form of cellular vinyl that was designed as an alternative to timber and the new plant was expected to create 40 jobs. The Foster Rainford Group currently comprised four companies and employed over 250 people.
The St Helens Reporter's lead story on the 7th was that over 500 local coal miners crippled by the lung disease pneumoconiosis could soon receive lump sum compensation from the government. Currently the disease entitled sufferers to a pension ranging from 10% to 100% of their earnings.
But the NUM had for some time argued that a pension was insufficient compensation for the loss of a victim's ability to earn a wage or enjoy a full life. Four test cases against the Coal Board were due to be heard in court – but the government had now stepped in to settle the issue. It was expected that after discussions had taken place new legislation would be brought in to compensate victims.
The MP for Rainford was Robert Kilroy Silk who was credited by the Reporter with helping to abolish what he'd called the "barbaric" practice of putting prisoners in British jails on bread and water. Although it had been announced last year that the harsh punishment would end, it had for some reason remained in use. But now after a protest from Kilroy Silk, orders had been laid before Parliament for bread and water's immediate abolition from all prisons.
The paper also described how St Helens Social Services had decided to give elderly people door safety chains. The measure was in response to a request from the charity Help the Aged – but the chains were only going to be fitted on the recommendation of a social worker. Terry Dennier, the council's Director of Social Services, seemed not to want too many applications, saying: "We should bear in mind that each chain would cost between £1.50 and £2 to fit and with several thousand old people it would cost a lot of money that we haven't estimated for."
The Reporter also described how a former nurses home had undergone a £70,000 transformation and this week had opened its doors as a "plush" retirement home for the elderly. Twelve months after conversion work had begun, the first dozen residents had now moved into the 28-bedroomed house in Dentons Green Lane, which had been named Greenfields.
The building was a gift from the St Helens District Nurses Association to St Helens Housing Ltd. That was a charity started some years ago to provide homes for the elderly and it was also currently operating two schemes in Hazel Grove and Folds Lane.
The 8th was the Pilkington pensioners' thirteenth annual gathering at Ruskin Drive, with many participants travelling some distance to be present. However, the event was affected by heavy rain, with a torrential downpour leaving part of the ground covered with water. But the rain stopped shortly after 3:30 pm and the gathering was able to continue. There was fortune telling, a golf game, bingo, painting by numbers and other amusements and sideshows.
St Helens Reporter and Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the first ever strike at Rainhill Hospital, the pay dispute at a Parr clothing factory, the unfit homes in Herbert Street, St Julie's annual gala and St Helens Council serve a prohibition notice on Fibreglass.
We begin with some good news from Rainhill with the announcement that Stoves gas cooker firm was taking on 200 more workers. The factory had been established in 1926 but a year ago had been forced to make 120 redundancies.
Soon afterwards the Birmingham-based gas and oil heater company Valor snapped up the firm. At the time the new owners pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves. They had not only been true to their word but the successful launch of three new Valor cookers had led to the expansion of their workforce.
Suttoners had long been furious over Leathers Chemicals being in their midst with many reports of gases escaping from its sulphuric acid factory. But the Flixborough chemical plant explosion on June 1st that killed 28 workers in Lincolnshire was a frightening final straw for many.
On the 3rd the East Sutton Residents Association held a demonstration outside Leathers' Lancots Lane works demanding its closure. The demo had been planned before the disaster occurred but it was conducted with greater feelings of anger and concern. Placard-bearing protesters picketed the plant, barricaded its entrance and turned away cars and lorries. Banners asked the question: "Flixborough – Is Sutton Next?"
Among the protesters were a number of councillors, as well as Father O’Connor from Sutton Monastery, who said: "We are right in the firing line of Leathers. What happened at Flixborough could happen here – apart from the poisoning of our lungs. I think it should be closed down." Police Inspector David Johnson warned the crowd of over 60 that they might constitute an illegal assembly and told them to move on. However, Leathers' Works Manager, Alfred Keeling, did agree to meet a small deputation of the protestors.
During the previous week another fallout incident had occurred, which was being blamed on Leathers. Eleven residents of East Sutton – mainly from Baxters Lane and Massey Street – claimed that a burning mist had enveloped them. Each had completed accident report forms and these had been sent to the council's Environmental Health Department.
Recently in Haresfinch and Clock Face Road, St Helens Council had moved out a number of its tenants while improvement work was undertaken. But the builders that moved in during the day and the vandals that took over at night caused much damage. Writing recently about the council houses in Clock Face, the Reporter had said: "…workmen and the vandals have ruined their carefully kept gardens, strewn building materials and rubbish across them, set fire to garden sheds and smashed fences and windows."
On the 4th the St Helens Newspaper reported that a meeting of the council's Housing and Building Committee had decided to permit tenants to claim up to 50% compensation for any damage caused by contractors and vandals. The councillors also decided to encourage householders to insure their homes while they were away in future so as to be able to claim the remaining 50%. However, the Newspaper had spoken to an insurance company who thought policies in such circumstances would not be available.
Cllr Harry Williams told the committee meeting about the tenants' misery upon returning to their homes: "It is true to say that people have left lovely gardens and following improvements they have been smashed to eternity." But the councillors' decision to award limited compensation did not go down well with the Borough Treasurer, who said the residents had left their property at their own risk.
The Newspaper also described how 328 homeowners on the new Chain Lane estate in Blackbrook had accused builders Daleholme Estates of breaking their word. Their dispute dated back two years when the residents were told to switch off their gas boilers after a potential killer in their central heating systems was detected.
North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that the residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly fumes to blow back into their homes. The North Western Gas Board blamed Daleholme Estates for having badly installed the flues. But the developers denied responsibility, claiming their work conformed to building regulations and then later blamed the Gas Board and St Helens Corporation.
A court case followed and two months ago it was announced that Daleholme had settled out of court and agreed to pay a total of £11,500 compensation. The Chain Lane homeowners would each receive an average of £35 (about £550 in today's money), which included what was described as an "inconvenience allowance" of £15.
But the latter payment had now been withdrawn, much to the annoyance of Len Webster, Chairman of the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association, who said: "We can't accept that. We've been telling people for some time to expect a payout of about £35. This must come as a shock to everyone. I am annoyed because it makes the Association look stupid." And so the court case against the builders was being resumed.
On the 5th the Liverpool Daily Post stated that Foster Plastics was to build a new factory in Rainford after tremendous interest had been generated in its new product called Tufcel. That was a form of cellular vinyl that was designed as an alternative to timber and the new plant was expected to create 40 jobs. The Foster Rainford Group currently comprised four companies and employed over 250 people.
The St Helens Reporter's lead story on the 7th was that over 500 local coal miners crippled by the lung disease pneumoconiosis could soon receive lump sum compensation from the government. Currently the disease entitled sufferers to a pension ranging from 10% to 100% of their earnings.
But the NUM had for some time argued that a pension was insufficient compensation for the loss of a victim's ability to earn a wage or enjoy a full life. Four test cases against the Coal Board were due to be heard in court – but the government had now stepped in to settle the issue. It was expected that after discussions had taken place new legislation would be brought in to compensate victims.
The MP for Rainford was Robert Kilroy Silk who was credited by the Reporter with helping to abolish what he'd called the "barbaric" practice of putting prisoners in British jails on bread and water. Although it had been announced last year that the harsh punishment would end, it had for some reason remained in use. But now after a protest from Kilroy Silk, orders had been laid before Parliament for bread and water's immediate abolition from all prisons.
The paper also described how St Helens Social Services had decided to give elderly people door safety chains. The measure was in response to a request from the charity Help the Aged – but the chains were only going to be fitted on the recommendation of a social worker. Terry Dennier, the council's Director of Social Services, seemed not to want too many applications, saying: "We should bear in mind that each chain would cost between £1.50 and £2 to fit and with several thousand old people it would cost a lot of money that we haven't estimated for."
The Reporter also described how a former nurses home had undergone a £70,000 transformation and this week had opened its doors as a "plush" retirement home for the elderly. Twelve months after conversion work had begun, the first dozen residents had now moved into the 28-bedroomed house in Dentons Green Lane, which had been named Greenfields.
The building was a gift from the St Helens District Nurses Association to St Helens Housing Ltd. That was a charity started some years ago to provide homes for the elderly and it was also currently operating two schemes in Hazel Grove and Folds Lane.
The 8th was the Pilkington pensioners' thirteenth annual gathering at Ruskin Drive, with many participants travelling some distance to be present. However, the event was affected by heavy rain, with a torrential downpour leaving part of the ground covered with water. But the rain stopped shortly after 3:30 pm and the gathering was able to continue. There was fortune telling, a golf game, bingo, painting by numbers and other amusements and sideshows.
St Helens Reporter and Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the first ever strike at Rainhill Hospital, the pay dispute at a Parr clothing factory, the unfit homes in Herbert Street, St Julie's annual gala and St Helens Council serve a prohibition notice on Fibreglass.
This week's many stories include the demo outside Leathers chemicals factory, Foster Plastics alternative to timber, homeowners in Blackbrook accuse the estate's developers of breaking their word, elderly people in St Helens are to have door safety chains installed and compensation is agreed for damage that contractors and vandals caused to houses in Haresfinch and Clock Face.
We begin with some good news from Rainhill with the announcement that Stoves gas cooker firm was taking on 200 more workers. The factory had been established in 1926 but a year ago had been forced to make 120 redundancies.
Soon afterwards the Birmingham-based gas and oil heater company Valor snapped up the firm. At the time the new owners pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves. They had not only been true to their word but the successful launch of three new Valor cookers had led to the expansion of their workforce.
Suttoners had long been furious over Leathers Chemicals being in their midst with many reports of gases escaping from its sulphuric acid factory. But the Flixborough chemical plant explosion on June 1st that killed 28 workers in Lincolnshire was a frightening final straw for many.
On the 3rd the East Sutton Residents Association held a demonstration outside Leathers' Lancots Lane works demanding its closure. The demo had been planned before the disaster occurred but it was conducted with greater feelings of anger and concern. Placard-bearing protesters picketed the plant, barricaded its entrance and turned away cars and lorries. Banners asked the question: "Flixborough – Is Sutton Next?"
Among the protesters were a number of councillors, as well as Father O’Connor from Sutton Monastery, who said: "We are right in the firing line of Leathers. What happened at Flixborough could happen here – apart from the poisoning of our lungs. I think it should be closed down." Police Inspector David Johnson warned the crowd of over 60 that they might constitute an illegal assembly and told them to move on. However, Leathers' Works Manager, Alfred Keeling, did agree to meet a small deputation of the protestors.
During the previous week another fallout incident had occurred, which was being blamed on Leathers. Eleven residents of East Sutton – mainly from Baxters Lane and Massey Street – claimed that a burning mist had enveloped them. Each had completed accident report forms and these had been sent to the council's Environmental Health Department.
Recently in Haresfinch and Clock Face Road, St Helens Council had moved out a number of its tenants while improvement work was undertaken. But the builders that moved in during the day and the vandals that took over at night caused much damage. Writing recently about the council houses in Clock Face, the Reporter had said: "…workmen and the vandals have ruined their carefully kept gardens, strewn building materials and rubbish across them, set fire to garden sheds and smashed fences and windows."
On the 4th the St Helens Newspaper reported that a meeting of the council's Housing and Building Committee had decided to permit tenants to claim up to 50% compensation for any damage caused by contractors and vandals. The councillors also decided to encourage householders to insure their homes while they were away in future so as to be able to claim the remaining 50%. However, the Newspaper had spoken to an insurance company who thought policies in such circumstances would not be available.
Cllr Harry Williams told the committee meeting about the tenants' misery upon returning to their homes: "It is true to say that people have left lovely gardens and following improvements they have been smashed to eternity." But the councillors' decision to award limited compensation did not go down well with the Borough Treasurer, who said the residents had left their property at their own risk.
The Newspaper also described how 328 homeowners on the new Chain Lane estate in Blackbrook had accused builders Daleholme Estates of breaking their word. Their dispute dated back two years when the residents were told to switch off their gas boilers after a potential killer in their central heating systems was detected.
North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that the residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly fumes to blow back into their homes. The North Western Gas Board blamed Daleholme Estates for having badly installed the flues. But the developers denied responsibility, claiming their work conformed to building regulations and then later blamed the Gas Board and St Helens Corporation.
A court case followed and two months ago it was announced that Daleholme had settled out of court and agreed to pay a total of £11,500 compensation. The Chain Lane homeowners would each receive an average of £35 (about £550 in today's money), which included what was described as an "inconvenience allowance" of £15.
But the latter payment had now been withdrawn, much to the annoyance of Len Webster, Chairman of the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association, who said: "We can't accept that. We've been telling people for some time to expect a payout of about £35. This must come as a shock to everyone. I am annoyed because it makes the Association look stupid." And so the court case against the builders was being resumed.
Rockware (pictured above) also warned this week that they might have to lay off some of their 1,600 workers. The glass firm was located in Pocket Nook and a shortage of soda ash was affecting production.
On the 5th the Liverpool Daily Post stated that Foster Plastics was to build a new factory in Rainford after tremendous interest had been generated in its new product called Tufcel. That was a form of cellular vinyl that was designed as an alternative to timber and the new plant was expected to create 40 jobs. The Foster Rainford Group currently comprised four companies and employed over 250 people.
The St Helens Reporter's lead story on the 7th was that over 500 local coal miners crippled by the lung disease pneumoconiosis could soon receive lump sum compensation from the government. Currently the disease entitled sufferers to a pension ranging from 10% to 100% of their earnings.
But the NUM had for some time argued that a pension was insufficient compensation for the loss of a victim's ability to earn a wage or enjoy a full life. Four test cases against the Coal Board were due to be heard in court – but the government had now stepped in to settle the issue. It was expected that after discussions had taken place new legislation would be brought in to compensate victims.
The MP for Rainford was Robert Kilroy Silk who was credited by the Reporter with helping to abolish what he'd called the "barbaric" practice of putting prisoners in British jails on bread and water. Although it had been announced last year that the harsh punishment would end, it had for some reason remained in use. But now after a protest from Kilroy Silk, orders had been laid before Parliament for bread and water's immediate abolition from all prisons.
The paper also described how St Helens Social Services had decided to give elderly people door safety chains. The measure was in response to a request from the charity Help the Aged – but the chains were only going to be fitted on the recommendation of a social worker. Terry Dennier, the council's Director of Social Services, seemed not to want too many applications, saying: "We should bear in mind that each chain would cost between £1.50 and £2 to fit and with several thousand old people it would cost a lot of money that we haven't estimated for."
The Reporter also described how a former nurses home had undergone a £70,000 transformation and this week had opened its doors as a "plush" retirement home for the elderly. Twelve months after conversion work had begun, the first dozen residents had now moved into the 28-bedroomed house in Dentons Green Lane, which had been named Greenfields.
The building was a gift from the St Helens District Nurses Association to St Helens Housing Ltd. That was a charity started some years ago to provide homes for the elderly and it was also currently operating two schemes in Hazel Grove and Folds Lane.
The 8th was the Pilkington pensioners' thirteenth annual gathering at Ruskin Drive, with many participants travelling some distance to be present. However, the event was affected by heavy rain, with a torrential downpour leaving part of the ground covered with water. But the rain stopped shortly after 3:30 pm and the gathering was able to continue. There was fortune telling, a golf game, bingo, painting by numbers and other amusements and sideshows.
St Helens Reporter and Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the first ever strike at Rainhill Hospital, the pay dispute at a Parr clothing factory, the unfit homes in Herbert Street, St Julie's annual gala and St Helens Council serve a prohibition notice on Fibreglass.
We begin with some good news from Rainhill with the announcement that Stoves gas cooker firm was taking on 200 more workers. The factory had been established in 1926 but a year ago had been forced to make 120 redundancies.
Soon afterwards the Birmingham-based gas and oil heater company Valor snapped up the firm. At the time the new owners pledged there would be no redundancies amongst the 1,000-strong workforce at Stoves. They had not only been true to their word but the successful launch of three new Valor cookers had led to the expansion of their workforce.
Suttoners had long been furious over Leathers Chemicals being in their midst with many reports of gases escaping from its sulphuric acid factory. But the Flixborough chemical plant explosion on June 1st that killed 28 workers in Lincolnshire was a frightening final straw for many.
On the 3rd the East Sutton Residents Association held a demonstration outside Leathers' Lancots Lane works demanding its closure. The demo had been planned before the disaster occurred but it was conducted with greater feelings of anger and concern. Placard-bearing protesters picketed the plant, barricaded its entrance and turned away cars and lorries. Banners asked the question: "Flixborough – Is Sutton Next?"
Among the protesters were a number of councillors, as well as Father O’Connor from Sutton Monastery, who said: "We are right in the firing line of Leathers. What happened at Flixborough could happen here – apart from the poisoning of our lungs. I think it should be closed down." Police Inspector David Johnson warned the crowd of over 60 that they might constitute an illegal assembly and told them to move on. However, Leathers' Works Manager, Alfred Keeling, did agree to meet a small deputation of the protestors.
During the previous week another fallout incident had occurred, which was being blamed on Leathers. Eleven residents of East Sutton – mainly from Baxters Lane and Massey Street – claimed that a burning mist had enveloped them. Each had completed accident report forms and these had been sent to the council's Environmental Health Department.
Recently in Haresfinch and Clock Face Road, St Helens Council had moved out a number of its tenants while improvement work was undertaken. But the builders that moved in during the day and the vandals that took over at night caused much damage. Writing recently about the council houses in Clock Face, the Reporter had said: "…workmen and the vandals have ruined their carefully kept gardens, strewn building materials and rubbish across them, set fire to garden sheds and smashed fences and windows."
On the 4th the St Helens Newspaper reported that a meeting of the council's Housing and Building Committee had decided to permit tenants to claim up to 50% compensation for any damage caused by contractors and vandals. The councillors also decided to encourage householders to insure their homes while they were away in future so as to be able to claim the remaining 50%. However, the Newspaper had spoken to an insurance company who thought policies in such circumstances would not be available.
Cllr Harry Williams told the committee meeting about the tenants' misery upon returning to their homes: "It is true to say that people have left lovely gardens and following improvements they have been smashed to eternity." But the councillors' decision to award limited compensation did not go down well with the Borough Treasurer, who said the residents had left their property at their own risk.
The Newspaper also described how 328 homeowners on the new Chain Lane estate in Blackbrook had accused builders Daleholme Estates of breaking their word. Their dispute dated back two years when the residents were told to switch off their gas boilers after a potential killer in their central heating systems was detected.
North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that the residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly fumes to blow back into their homes. The North Western Gas Board blamed Daleholme Estates for having badly installed the flues. But the developers denied responsibility, claiming their work conformed to building regulations and then later blamed the Gas Board and St Helens Corporation.
A court case followed and two months ago it was announced that Daleholme had settled out of court and agreed to pay a total of £11,500 compensation. The Chain Lane homeowners would each receive an average of £35 (about £550 in today's money), which included what was described as an "inconvenience allowance" of £15.
But the latter payment had now been withdrawn, much to the annoyance of Len Webster, Chairman of the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association, who said: "We can't accept that. We've been telling people for some time to expect a payout of about £35. This must come as a shock to everyone. I am annoyed because it makes the Association look stupid." And so the court case against the builders was being resumed.
On the 5th the Liverpool Daily Post stated that Foster Plastics was to build a new factory in Rainford after tremendous interest had been generated in its new product called Tufcel. That was a form of cellular vinyl that was designed as an alternative to timber and the new plant was expected to create 40 jobs. The Foster Rainford Group currently comprised four companies and employed over 250 people.
The St Helens Reporter's lead story on the 7th was that over 500 local coal miners crippled by the lung disease pneumoconiosis could soon receive lump sum compensation from the government. Currently the disease entitled sufferers to a pension ranging from 10% to 100% of their earnings.
But the NUM had for some time argued that a pension was insufficient compensation for the loss of a victim's ability to earn a wage or enjoy a full life. Four test cases against the Coal Board were due to be heard in court – but the government had now stepped in to settle the issue. It was expected that after discussions had taken place new legislation would be brought in to compensate victims.
The MP for Rainford was Robert Kilroy Silk who was credited by the Reporter with helping to abolish what he'd called the "barbaric" practice of putting prisoners in British jails on bread and water. Although it had been announced last year that the harsh punishment would end, it had for some reason remained in use. But now after a protest from Kilroy Silk, orders had been laid before Parliament for bread and water's immediate abolition from all prisons.
The paper also described how St Helens Social Services had decided to give elderly people door safety chains. The measure was in response to a request from the charity Help the Aged – but the chains were only going to be fitted on the recommendation of a social worker. Terry Dennier, the council's Director of Social Services, seemed not to want too many applications, saying: "We should bear in mind that each chain would cost between £1.50 and £2 to fit and with several thousand old people it would cost a lot of money that we haven't estimated for."
The Reporter also described how a former nurses home had undergone a £70,000 transformation and this week had opened its doors as a "plush" retirement home for the elderly. Twelve months after conversion work had begun, the first dozen residents had now moved into the 28-bedroomed house in Dentons Green Lane, which had been named Greenfields.
The building was a gift from the St Helens District Nurses Association to St Helens Housing Ltd. That was a charity started some years ago to provide homes for the elderly and it was also currently operating two schemes in Hazel Grove and Folds Lane.
The 8th was the Pilkington pensioners' thirteenth annual gathering at Ruskin Drive, with many participants travelling some distance to be present. However, the event was affected by heavy rain, with a torrential downpour leaving part of the ground covered with water. But the rain stopped shortly after 3:30 pm and the gathering was able to continue. There was fortune telling, a golf game, bingo, painting by numbers and other amusements and sideshows.
St Helens Reporter and Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the first ever strike at Rainhill Hospital, the pay dispute at a Parr clothing factory, the unfit homes in Herbert Street, St Julie's annual gala and St Helens Council serve a prohibition notice on Fibreglass.