Burton Road in quieter days – outside Craven Lodge circa 1930 (With thanks to the Francis Frith Collection)

‘A COMPLAINT FROM BURTON ROAD. – The following letter from Mr. Jas. Atter was read, viz. :— Melton Mowbray, 13th May, 1910.  Dear Sir, – Quite recently cart loads of soil, which I claim belong to me, have been removed by employees of the Urban District Council of Melton Mowbray, from the frontage to my garden on the Burton-road, Melton Mowbray.  Such cart-loads of soil have, I understand, been given to, or sold to the Hon. Mr Walsh, or his landlord, and deposited near the building in course of erection for him.  Such soil would have done very well for my kitchen garden.  Assuming the Council had a power to sell or make a gift of such soil, do you not think it would have been better if the Council had made the offer of the same to the true owner thereof?  I dispute, however, the Council’s right to act as they have done, and I defy production of an authority for so acting.  Perhaps you will place this letter before your Council, and afterwards inform me what they propose doing in the matter.   Yours truly, JAMES ATTER.”

The DEPUTY SURVEYOR said the soil in question consisted of road scrapings which had accumulated along the the frontage in question, and was removed because it was an advantage to do so from time to time.  The CLERK said the soil was clearly the property of the Council.  Mr. WILLCOX suggested that a letter be sent to Mr. Atter pointing out that there was no intention on the part of the Council to encroach upon any rights Mr. Atter might possess with regard to his frontage.  Mr. GILL said they they must regret perhaps that the scrapings were removed without asking whether he would have cared for them, yet they must not admit he had the right to them.  He claimed them as his property.   Mr. BREWITT expressed a similar opinion, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr. GILL, seconded by Mr. MANCHESTER, to reply to Mr. Atter to this effect.’