South Yorkshire Times, March 5th, 1960
Turning Mexborough Slums into a “Sunset Strip”
Unsightly slums, particularly those in the Roman Terrace area had given Mexborough the name of a ‘shanty town’ but the local authority intended to eliminate such slums, create an impact on visitors and make Mexborough a “little jewel in South Yorkshire.”
A “little jewel”
This was said by County Coun. T. Roebuck, who proposed the ladies and visitors at Mexborough Urban District Council Civic Dinner attended by about 140 people in the Public Hall on Friday.
Coun. Roebuck said “We are trying to make Roman Terrace a real Sunset Strip. You must realise the tremendous amount of work that has gone into this project.” He referred to the Highwoods Estate and the new maisonettes and flats which had been erected.
“We are trying to create an impact on people coming into the town, and eliminate such slums that have given Mexborough the name of ‘shanty town’. We on the local authority are trying to make a little jewel in South Yorkshire.
Ex-Chief Supt. J. L. Dunn, M.B.E., who proposed the “Urban District of Mexborough.” said some people thought local government a dreary run of agendas and committee meetings; others could not care less as long as water comes out of the tap and ash- bins are emptied regularly.
“There are others who feel they have a job of work to do and set about it, and the only reward they get is the satisfaction of a job well done. They get the satisfaction by doing something for their fellow men.”
Tribute to Press
Paying a tribute to the local press, Supt. Dunn said “I have always thought this area has been very well served by its local Press, insofar as they have always given both sides to a question,
“I think that the Press has done very well for Mexborough. If they have seen anything that they have thought was not quite right they have brought it to the notice of the public, and both sides of the question have been given.”
Supt. Dunn added “The South Yorkshire Times” serves a very wide area, but I have always felt that the service given in Mexborough has been of the best. I think it makes for a very good state of affairs when the local Press are willing to public both sides.”
Commenting on the recently opened Mexborough Supermarket Supt Dunn said “I think it speaks well for a township when traders will come into Mexborough.”
Speaking on local government reorganisation, Coun. S. Worth J. P. Chairman of the Council, said it was possible Mexborough might become part of a county borough.
“We urban districts like to feel we are a community of our own, and that we are doing our best to uphold it. I do hope that if there is any reorganisation, we will be left as a local government unit.”
Reorganisation, Coun. Worth said could result in a loss of “personal touch.” He hoped Mexborough’s headquarters would not be moved ”about seven miles” away from the town.
The Rt. Hon. Wilfred Paling P.C., ex-MP for Dearne Valley, commented on his long and good relations with the local authority. “I would like to pay my tribute to the Urban Council for their help and the good relations that existed.” he said.