I have to call the special attention of the vestry to the subject of the
repairs of the Roads in this parish, which involves a very large annual
outlay, and requires the greatest amount of care, both as regards the
quantity and quality of the materials, and also as to the proper season
for their application.
My past experience has taught me that this portion of my duty requires
constant supervision and attention. I have computed the length of the
roads in this parish, exclusive of the turnpike roads, at about 53 miles,
and I am happy to state, allowing for the new roads adopted by the
parish, the last annual outlay has been less in comparison to the
previous years, this may be accounted for by the fact of the roads having
become much harder, from regular scavengering, and the better form which
allows the surface water to drain into the channels.
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The roads may be classed in three sections, viz.: those of great traffic,
which are repaired with granite; those having less traffic, which are
repaired with flints; and bye roads and squares of little traffic, which
are repaired with gravel. I have considered opinions from time to time
expressed by the Paving Committee as to the more general use of granite
for the roads, and shall lose no opportunity in carrying out their wishes
wherever I can judiciously do so.
I have found many beneficial results, and much saving from the constant
employment of a mason ordered by the Paving Committee to be added to the
staff of workmen, for the purpose of attending to the repairs of the
trenches opened or disturbed by the different gas and water companies.
* * * * *
The following is a list of some of the principal footways, which have
been paved, viz.: St. John’s Church, Aubrey Chapel, Gloucester Road, Edge
Terrace, and Vine Place, Ladbroke Road, Old Norland Road, Kensington
Church, Yard, Queen’s Road, Northern, The Mall, St. Peter’s Church, High
Row, Silver Street, Portobello Terrace, Clifton Terrace, together with
several other minor works, also the laying crossings, pitching cab
stands, and general repairs.
* * * * *
The following are streets which have been paved and repaired at the
expense of the owners, and adopted by the Vestry: Kensington Park Road
North, Ovington Square, Ovington Terrace, St. John’s Terrace, Portland
Road North, Clarendon Place, Elgin Crescent, Dartmoor Street, Stanley
Gardens, Stanley Crescent, Lansdown Road North, Chepstow Villas West,
Ladbroke Terrace, Ladbroke Road, Westbourne Grove West.