COATHAM – Government Enquiry for Coatham Public Gardens

Accreditation the Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea Gazette 08/10/1887.

THE PROPOSED PUBLIC GARDENS FOR COATHAM – GOVERNMENT ENQUIRY

          On Thursday morning (6/10) an enquiry was held at the Kirkleatham Local Board Office by Major-General C. Phipps Carey, on the application of the Board to borrow £1,500 for the purpose of laying out a pleasure Gardens at Coatham, on the ground given by the owners of the Kirkleatham Estate.

          There were present Mr M B. Dodds, clerk to the Board, Mr Ridley, Mr Rutherford, Mr Robson, Mr Howcroft, Messrs, Chilton, Burton, Jowsey, Appleby, and Boagey.

          Mr Dodds explained the object of the application which was to borrow £1,500 fro Recreation Grounds for residents and visitors as an attraction to lengthen the season. The Board had accepted the offer, and the ratepayers had confirmed it in a public meeting and by vote. The estimated cost of repaying the money over 30 years and maintaining the grounds was £180 per year, which would mean a rate of 2 ½ d in the pound, but as they had been relieved of road costs by about £100 a year the increased rating would be trivial.

          Mr. Howcroft, surveyor, produced plans of the ground and explained the cost of fencing round and laying out of roads, &c. Mr H Watson opposed on behalf of certain ratepayers on the following grounds;-

          Redcar and Coatham were one place practically, and it was not fair to tax one place for what both places would enjoy. The ratepayers were too much in the hands of the trustees by the agreement, and in future they might resume possession of the ground. The estimate produced was out of the question: the work could not be done for that amount named. A park was not required here, as there were the sands and the piers, and the site chosen was disadvantageous and no one would go to it. In the voting those who had made the offer had voted to accept it, and he did not see what the Gas Company, the Pier, and Turner’s Hospital wanted a park for. Mr Cowl agreed with Mr Watson’s objection, and said they should wait till Redcar and Coatham were amalgamated and they could support a park between them.

          The Inspector suggested that Redcar might contribute towards the park. Mr Dodds said the Local Government Board might compel them to do so: the rod might be used to the wayward child. Mr Ridley explained that their need be no objection to the agreement, as certain modifications had been made agreeable to the Board’s wishes, and any dispute would be settled by arbitration. The Board had not any selfish interests to serve, but had acted solely for the good of the town, as they felt that the increase attractions of Saltburn militated against Redcar, and that unless additional attractions were provided they would be left behind. He believed the day was not far distant when Redcar and Coatham would be united, and they would flourish.