Folio 199. To: Messrs Catterall and Catterall, Solicitors, Preston [Lancashire]....

Folio 199.

To: Messrs Catterall and Catterall, Solicitors, Preston [Lancashire].

From: The General Board of Health.

Subject Matter: Letter advising that the General Board held an interview yesterday with Mr Wilson Patten and Mr Gregory, representing the ratepayers of Fishwick, who have petitioned the General Board for separation from the District of Preston. The General Board state that they pointed out to Wilson Patten and Gregory that the estimate of the general district rate included in the memorial [petition] of the Fishwick residents included an item of £2000 for 'materials and tradesmen's bills', and it is impossible to say whether or not this is a proper charge. It is stated that none of the charges in the estimate are such as cannot legally be included in the general district rate, therefore the Fishwick ratepayers would not have much chance of relief by appealing under Section 135 of the Public Health Act 1848. The General Board explain that, under Section 89 of the Act, Fishwick could be rated as a separate district, and that they have offered to suggest this course of action to the Preston Local Board. They state that Wilson Patten and Gregory were of the opinion that this course of action would satisfy the Fishwick ratepayers. They explain that it is necessary for an Inspector to make an inquiry before any alterations to the boundaries of the District can be made.