Mexborough and Swinton Times December 11, 1936

Conisborough Urban District Council
50 more Houses to be Built by Direct Labour
Plucky Denaby Girl Rewarded

Mr Tom Shephard reported at the monthly meeting of Conisborough Urban Council on Wednesday, that permission had been received for the Ministry of health’s proceed with the erection of 50 houses under the slum clearance scheme, by direct labour. They hope to accommodate a number of displaced tenants in the new estate very shortly. It had been decided to allow no straw mattresses in the new houses.

Mr J L Webster objected to this stipulation, but the surveyor (Mr H Thirlwall) said, arising out of the experiences of other local authorities, the committee felt it undesirable to allow straw mattresses in the new houses. Bedding would not, however, be destroyed, unless there was reason for it.

Mr RH Shephard mentioned that oil lamp should still be necessary at first in these houses, as arrangements have not yet been completed for the installation of electric light.

The chairman (Mr G Oldfield) who presided, said he thought it should be fully understood that this was no fault of the Council.

Mr D Sheldon said he thought it was a disgrace that lighting should hold them up, but Mr Webster said the council had “a few bricks to throw.” These people should have been rehoused in the lighter weather – when there would have been no need for immediate lighting.

£10 cheque

A cheque for £10 granted by the Ministry of Health, was presented at the conclusion of the council meeting by the chairman to Miss Gladys Cuttell (22) of 42 Edlington St, Denaby Main, in recognition of her bravery in saving two lives in Blackpool earlier in the year. Miss Cutler dived from the end of the pier into the sea to effect the double rescue.

Mr Horsfield mentioned that Miss Cutler leart to swim at their local bars. This was a striking tribute to the tuition afforded there. In the near future and illuminated address will be forthcoming from the Ministry of health’s. “You are a credit to Denaby,” he said.

Mr Gomersall also mentioned that the Council was exploring further avenues of assistance, and were getting in touch with the Carnegie trust in that direction. “There is no doubt that we highly appreciate this magnificent deed. We have all taken it very much to heart.”

Mr W Cuttell, who accompanied his daughter, briefly thanked the Council and said, “I am sure that if a similar thing confronted her again – there will be no hesitation.”

It was reported that negotiations were proceeding for a similar grant to a boy named Brindley, of Denaby Main, who effected a rescue at Mexborough in July 1935