Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 18 January 1941
A.R.P. Matters Occupy Mexborough Council
Mis-Use of Raid Shelters
A.R.P. matters were the chief items dealt with by Mexborough Urban Council at their meeting on Wednesday.
A recommendation of the Finance Committee, which was approved, was that the Clerk should communicate with the Mexborough and Swinton Traction Company with respect to the suggested suspension of their trolley vehicles during ” Alert,” and if no satisfaction was obtained that the Clerk should take up the matter with’ the Regional Commissioner.
Minutes of the Highways Committee which were approved gave a ruling with regard to Council employees work during the siren, and payment for lost time during warnings.
The Committee decided that all employees should continue at work when “Alert” was sounded and until danger was imminent; and that when immediate danger had passed work should be resumed without waiting for the “All Clear.”
Where time was lost as a direct result of actual enemy attack during working hours, payments would be, made at normal rates for time lost. and where it was necessary to work overtime consequent upon time lost, normal rates would be paid compensating lost time and additional time worked would be paid for at overtime rates.
It was also decided that no reduction in wages should be made where air raids or air raid warnings delayed employees in commencing work, provided they reported for duty within a reasonable period after the normal starting time.
On Trial.
The minutes of the A.R.P. Committee, which were approved, announced new arrangements with regard to the turnout of the Council employee members of the Rescue Parties, the personnel having intimated that they would give the scheme one month’s trial. The scheme is that two squads consisting of Council employees will report to their depot on Alerts on alternate weeks and the off-duty squad will be called by messenger if required. Time occupied on stand-by duty up to midnight will, be regarded as voluntary service, but a compensating number of hours to be taken off the following day for any time on duty after midnight without loss of wages. This rule will not apply to Saturday nights. If the squad is in action during the period on duty they will be paid at Joint Industrial Council rates.
Arising out of the A.R.P. Committee minutes. Coun. G. M. Hanson (chairman) appealed to the public to use the public air raid shelters properly. Of late there had been considerable misuse of the shelters.
Save That Sand!
He also asked that the sandbags, which have now been put at the base of every lamp-post throughout the town, should he used only for what they were intended for, and that they should not be damaged.