South Yorkshire Times, June 28th 1942
Misuse of Shelters
Conisbrough Council Comments
The abominable state of air raid shelters in Denaby was deplored at Conisbrough Urban Council’s meeting on Wednesday. Coun. R. H. Shepherd presided.
Coun. H. Gomersall, moving the minutes of the A.R.P. Committee, said it had been found inadvisable to lock the gates on air raid shelters.
Coun. I. Houghton: From information I have received they want knocking down. One or two shelters in Clifton Street are a disgrace.
Coun. A. M. Carlin said he had received similar complaints from Balby Street.
The Surveyor (Mr. H. Thirlwall) said the ground was thoroughly sterilised and yards were re-asphalted. There should be no reason to fear anything on that account. On the other hand, irresponsible people, from children to adults, did things they should not do. Locking gates on shelters would destroy the utility of them, and might result in loss of life. It was the responsibility of the people to see that shelters were kept clean.
Coun. Gomersall said the shelters cost £16,000 to erect, but there were not six, except for domestic shelters, which were fit for use. Children were making playgrounds of them.
Coun. Carlin moved that notices be put up stating that proceedings would be taken against offenders using the shelters for improper purposes, and this was carried.
On the motion of Coun. Houghton, it was agreed that a shelter in Clifton Street should be inspected.
Coun. J. T. E Collin’s motion that teachers should be asked to impress on children not to abuse the shelters was carried.