South Yorkshire Times July 21, 1956
“Automation” on Conisbrough Site
Although only in a small way, automation has come to Conisbrough, causing the redundancy of “a small number” of the council’s workmen on the councils new housing estate at Ellershaw Lane.
Although no statement has been made by Ccouncil members are officers, it is understood that “a small number” of labourers on the estate have been giving notices because they are not needed now that a new machine for digging trenches has been introduced on the estate. The men are employed as labourers digging trenches for the foundations of Council houses on this estate which is part of the council’s building programme of 108 houses.
The new machine has been introduced as a time and money saver as trenches can naturally be dug out much quicker by machine although a few labourers are needed for digging in rocky ground.
At present about 20 men are employed by the council on this estate. And about the same number are employed by a private firm under contract by the council.
The new machine is part of the Council scheme for cutting costs in their building programme without cutting down the number of houses to be built
Chairman of the Highway committee and a member of the housing committee of the council. Coun staff R. H. Shepard refused to comment on the position when questioned this week. It is understood that the full facts will be given at Monday’s monthly meeting of the council when the matter may be discussed. The new machine has been introduced by the engineer and surveyor to the Council (Mr G. Chadwick) who took over his new post only a few weeks ago.