[Report 1948] / Medical Officer of Health, Consett U.D.C.

  • Consett (England). Urban District Council.
Date:
1948
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1948] / Medical Officer of Health, Consett U.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    10/52 (page 8)
    .s The dietricl; was constituted a Local Board Division in 1865 and covered 1,005 acres with a population of 7,000. It now covers an area of 9,840 acres and has a population of 38,280. The town stands at a high altitude, being nearly 900 feet above sea level in its highest parts with the land sloping steeply on one side down to the River Derwent which forms its boundary for a considerable distance. There are two parks for recreational purposes. Consett Park on the side of a hill with magnificent views over the Derwent Valley, and Sherburn Park which was laid out by the Council on what was practically waste land off Medomsley Road, and has proved an amenity of great advantage to the population. Consett is an industrial town favoured by a surrounding countryside of unsurpassed beauty and within very easy reach. Social Conditions and Industries. There is a fine social spirit among the inhabitants of the town and many active associations, both voluntary and official operate in the area. It has always been the policy of the Health Depart- ment to maintain close touch with these. Toe H, the Women’s Voluntary Services, the British Legion and the National Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children are among the former, whilst the chief official bodies are the Ministry of Labour and National Service, the Ministry of Food, and the National Assistance Board, together with officials of Durham County Council, who all render valuable helji with their special knowledge, which is much appreciated. The Consett Iron Company Ltd. and the National Coal Board are the main sources of industry and the prosperity of the town depends on their activities. The ironworks are undergoing ex- tensive reconstruction at the present time which is a good omen of the faith of those responsible in the future. There are 53 farms registered as dairies in the area and 570 premises liable to ins])ection under the Shops Acts, the latter employing 1,096 jiersons.