Rug Making Factory – New Industry at Conisbrough May Employ 80 Girls

June 1946

South Yorkshire Times June 22, 1946

Rug Making Factory

A new light industry for conisborough, the 1st to be established in the urban district for many years, is expected to start within the next week or so. Premises in well gate, belonged to Mr W Crowcroft, a well-known Conisbrough resident, has been rented by Messrs Russell Inman, Roundhay terrace, Leeds for the manufacture of hearth rugs, and the principal Mr Inman, told a “South Yorks Times,” reporter on Monday that York to start operation with a staff of 40 to 60 people and ultimately employ 80 if the Factory Inspectors would sanction the premises as suitable for that number.

Former British Restaurant

the premises, which require little preparation, consists of a two-storey building, last used (from May 1942 to December 1944) as Conisbrough’s English restaurant, and previously used by Mr Crowcroft as a bakehouse for a bakery and confectionery business, from which he is now retired.

Mr Inman, a disabled ex-soldier, has served with the Royal Corps of signals, from which he was discharged in 1942 after three years service, has sped through negotiations for the acquisition of the premises in whirlwind times. He arrived in Conisbrough on Monday afternoon, when he was received by Messrs H Otley and C Birch, county clerk and deputy surveyor respectively, on behalf of Messrs R Birch (clerk) and AWR Taylor (surveyor of Conisbrough Urban Council), and he had completed his preliminary arrangements by the following morning.

He was introduced to Mr Crowcraft by Mr Otley and acting on the Council behalf, offered their assistance in securing the new light industry to the urban district, and arrangements were made for Mr Inman to interview Mr R.G.Moorman, manager of Mexborough Employment Exchange, and Miss Hoyle, juvenile employment adviser, to discuss the position of obtaining labour.

The new factory has floor space of 500 ft.² on the ground floor and 400 ft.² on the first floor. “When we start all depends on sending our machinery and materials through to Conisbrough.” Mr Inman said.

“” With the exception of two disabled servicemen, whom we shall bring over from Leeds, all the Labour will be supplied through Mexborough Exchange, and will therefore be drawn from the immediate district. We plan to employ school leaving age to girls of between 20 and 21.”

Miss Inman explained that at Leeds they had a group of fellow disabled ex-servicemen, and they were transferring their business to Conisbrough as there was plenty of female labour available in the area and very little in Leeds. The rugs will be made by hand and machinery. The cost of alterations required at the factory will be shared by Mr Crowcroft and himself.

Mr Inman stated that the various officials and factory inspectors are been most helpful.