Category Archives: Council

The Canons Minutes – 1948 Reinstatement of Recreation Grounds

From the minutes of the
Allotments Committee
June 10, 1948

REINSTATEMENT OF RECREATION GROUNDS.

The Committee are asked to give consideration to a scheme for the reinstatement of recreation grounds and open spaces at present used as wartime allotments, a total area of approximately 48 acres. As a basis for discussion I set forth below a statement showing a reinstatement programme based on a commencement in the financial year 1949/50. If such a scheme is adopted holders of wartime allotments will know the date when such allotments have to be given up. For the first year it is suggested that three recreation grounds and open spaces be dealt with namely, Colliers Wood Playing Fields, approximately half Figges Marsh, and Sherwood Park Recreation Ground. This would improve the playing facilities in western, central and eastern areas of the Borough.

Recreation Ground Area in Acres Date of Suggested Reinstatement
Colliers Wood Playing Fields 3.0 1949-50
Figges Marsh – North 7.0 1949-50
Sherwood Park 2.6 1949-50
Figges Marsh – South 7.0 1950-51
Cricket Green 2.3 1950-51
Rowan Road 1.2 1950-51
Long Bolstead 0.6 1950-51
Manship Road 1.0 1950-51
Lewis Road 1.2 1951-52
Deer Park Gardens 1.2 1951-52
Mount Road 1.3 1951-52
Vectis Road 0.4 1951-52
Cranmer Green 2.4 1951-52
Mitcham Court 0.4 1951-52
The Canons 5.3 1951-52
Pollards Hill 12.0 1952-53

Approximate costs of reinstatement are:-

1949-50 £5,200.00
1950-51 £5,000.00
1951-52 £4,100.00
1952-53 £4,000.00
Total £18,300.00

Yours obediently,
Riley Schofield,
Borough Engineer and Surveyor.

Source: Proceedings of the Council and committees, Mitcham Borough Council, Volume 14 1946-48, pages 635-6


See aerial photos from 1945.

Minutes of meetings held by the Mitcham Borough Council are available on request from the Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre at Morden Library.

The Canons Minutes – 1948 Survey by Borough Engineer

From the minutes of the
Allotments Committee
July 8, 1948

The Canons

I have made a survey of The Canons with respect to its present condition, and have to report that the house is, generally, in a dilapidated state owing to:-

(a) the property not being fully occupied;
(b) the defective state of the roof;
(c) windows and doors not being fully weatherproof.

Essential external repairs would cost approximately £300, and internal repairs and decorations about £700. In my opinion the total amount recoverable from the War Damage Commission in respect of war damage repair would be between £100 and £150.

The following is a summary of the accommodation, references being to the plans which I lay before you.

Basement
Room No. Remarks
1 Caretaker’s living room
2 Unused. Suitable only for storage.
3 Unused. Suitable only for storage.
4 Coal storage
5 Coal storage
6 Larder. Suitable for storage.
7 Caretaker’s scullery
8 Ladies’ lavatory
9 Suitable only for storage.
10 Suitable only for storage.
Ground Floor
Room No. Remarks
11 Entrance hall
12 Used by Scouts
13 Suitable for use when repaired
14 Suitable for use when repaired
15 Used for dressing accommodation, etc.
16 Used by Scouts
16A Used by Scouts
17 Storage
17A Caretaker’s W.C.
First Floor
Room No. Remarks
18 Caretaker’s bedroom
19 Caretaker’s bedroom
20 Caretaker’s living room
21 Suitable for use when repaired
22 Used by Athletic Clubs
23 Used by Athletic Clubs
24 Used by Athletic Clubs
Attic Floor
Room No. Remarks
25 Suitable for use when repaired
26 Suitable for use when repaired
27 Suitable for storage.
28 Suitable for use when repaired
29 Suitable for use when repaired
30 Suitable for use when repaired
31 Suitable for use when repaired

Yours obediently,
Riley Schofield,
Borough Engineer and Surveyor.

Resolved – That the Borough Engineer be instructed to carry out the repairs suggested.

Source: Proceedings of the Council and committees, Mitcham Borough Council, Volume 14 1947-48, pages 723-4


Minutes of meetings held by the Mitcham Borough Council are available on request from the Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre at Morden Library.