Picture Past: September 12, 1969

Gareth Newnham

Published: 3:00 PM September 14, 2019 Updated: 11:09 PM October 27, 2020

Weston seafront cycle racing organised by Weston Wheelers Cycling Club. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

Weston was set to receive more cash for house loans after the Labour Government almost trebled the amount of money allocated to the borough council.

Weston seafront cycle racing organised by Weston Wheelers Cycling Club. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

In April the Government had allocated a £30,000 budget to the corporation, however this was increased by £83,000 in September.

This came at the perfect time for the council as its loan fund had been exhausted due to a massive rise in applicants.

Nationally the figure agreed for local authority house purchases in 1969-70 was increased from £30million to £55million, with the additional money given to 150 areas with a significant housing need.

Weston's Deputy Treasurer G.H Longden said: "We are very pleased because it means we can continue with loans to people who in the main cannot get money through a building society."

The Weston XV and District sides who opened the Rugger season at the Recreation Ground. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

You may also want to watch:

n Postmen were getting confused in Banwell and St Georges due to new homes not being properly numbered.

At a parish council meeting, St Georges representative, J Mason said he was tired of raising the issue when nothing was being done.

"This is getting really serious, he said.

"There have been several instances of doctors and ambulance men experiencing difficulty in finding houses.

Mr. Billy Wells (vice-president, Weston Angling Association) presents trophies won by juniors at a United Services Club ceremony. Recipients were Tim Rawlings and Jeff Reasons (seated), Nigel Reasons and Nigel Chaffey. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

"I like the old country idea of naming houses but it is completely out of date."

n Two boys broke into a Weston department store and cooked themselves dinner.

Weston juvenile court heard how the pair, aged 10 and 11, used the shop's stove to cook themselves egg and chips before helping themselves to ice cream.

They then stole a city jail, two wolves heads and canon from the toys department.

The Weston-super-Mare AFC team that lost 0-2 to Andover in the club's first home game of the season. Standing (left to right): D. Hayward (manager), R. Urch, H. Thomas, P. Lunn, M. Jefferies, J. Coles, R. Campbell, J. Gretton (trainer). Kneeling (left to right): S. Tucker, B. Simmons, K. Clare (captain), M. Davis, A. Griffiths and P. Peters. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

The boys also pleaded guilty to breaking into a printer's premises and stealing seven pen-knives and a magnifying glass.

The oldest boy was sent to a children's home for two years, while the younger was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay five shillings compensation for the food he had eaten.

n A man was given a conditional discharge for swearing at a signal man after he could not cross a railway line.

The 32-year-old St Georges man pleaded guilty to using abusive words likely to cause offence at Axbridge's magistrates court.

Nearly 5,000 people attended the a traction engine show and rally held near Cheddar reservoir and organised by Mendip Round Table. £700 was raised for various charities. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant

A witness told the man to curb his language because others were present.

Children get a ride on a 1928 Dennis fire engine owned by Messrs. Holder, of Congresbury at the a traction engine show and rally held near Cheddar reservoir and organised by Mendip Round Table. Picture: WESTON MERCURY - Credit: Archant