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Preston Guardian

Saturday 6 August 1853

New Scale of Water Charges

During the past week considerable excitement has been created amongst the shopkeepers in consequence of the new scale of water charges, which has just come into operation, and which appears to fall rather heavily upon this class. Certain opponents of the commissioners have consequently taken advantage of this temporary misunderstanding, and have issued a most inflammatory placard, their object being still further to widen the breach, and to incite a feeling of rebellion against those who have to administer the law; but nothing was advanced in lieu of the scale against which they railed. The scale of charges, which was prepared and incorporated in a bill drawn up by Messrs. Buck and Eastwood in 1846, and entitles "A bill to alter, enlarge, and amend an act for supplying with water the town of Burnley, &c." was 7 1/2 per cent. or 1s. 6d. in the pound on the gross rental, and no occupier could have water for a less sum than 8s. per year. Now let us contrast this with the scale of the Burnley Improvement Commissioners, and take a shop rent of say £40 a year. The charge upon this by the commissioners is 32s. per year, whereas by the proposed bill of these guardians of the people's interests, it would have been £3, or nearly double the amount. Surely the ratepayers must consider themselves happy in having escaped this ancient regime. As the commissioners, however, can have no other object than the promotion of the interests of the whole town, if any error has been committed (and we believe there has, although of judgement merely) we feel confident that as soon as pointed out the commissioners will reconsider the matter, and re-adjust it to the satisfaction of all parties. There is one point, however, which seems to be entirely overlooked, that the public is now supplied with a regular supply of pure and wholesome water, which is an improvement upon the old system.

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Mel

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