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Reclamation
In 1928 around 400 acres of land in
the Borough were derelict as a result of the many coal
mines that covered the area. There were large pit
mounds, deep hollows, pools, and flooded mine workings,
which were on too large a scale to be tackled by private builders. It involved land reclamation on a
grand scale, but used the minimum amount of machinery.
Most of the work was carried out by hundreds of
unemployed men who worked long hours to make the land
useable. |
Reclamation of a mining area near Old Park
Road.
| In Dangerfield Lane and Old Park Road 50 acres of
land were reclaimed, which involved the removal of around
250,000 tons of pit mound spoil, and the levelling of
the land. The difference in height between the pit
mounds and the hollows was around 70 feet. |
| Removing an old
pit mound near Park Lane, known by the
workmen as "Heartbreak Hill". |
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After reclamation the land was
allowed to settle before building work began. The houses
were built in pairs on reinforced concrete rafts to
overcome subsidence. In order to improve the
surroundings, the new roads were wide, and tree-lined with
generous grass verges. Garden space was provided at the
front and back of each house, which was set back around
20 feet from the road. The housing density was around 12
houses per acre, and housing styles were slightly
changed to give variety and interest to the estate.
Houses were grouped in blocks of 2, 4, or 6, and
amenities such as shops, schools, playing fields,
recreation grounds, allotments, community halls, welfare
centres, and bowling greens were provided. |
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