Tue 27 Dec 1853
Mr Cambridge declined to pay cost of removing Gallows Bridge.
Cost of removing both bridges about one hundred and fifty pounds. Mr Driver to procure material for erection of swing bridges in lieu of permanent Gallows and Saul Bridges.
Mr Ford’s application to rent his tonnage on corn and flour carried for use of Ryeford Mill was not considered expedient according to Act of Parliament.
Sam Sims complained of the inconvenience of the stoppage and delay in the Whitminster Level. Mr Driver to employ 2 additional men to dredge the level and consider means of repairing lock gates at Whitminster.
At a Special Meeting of the Committee of the Stroudwater Navigation held at the Committee Room at Wallbridge on Tuesday the 27th day of December 1853
Present: M^r Will^m Fryer, M^r Cha^s Hooper Chairman, Fred^k Eycott, Tho^s C Croome, Rich^d Martin, G Hen^y A Beard, Hen^y Harris.
A Letter from M^r Cambridge was read by which he declined to enter upon the work of removing the Gallows Bridge.
M^r Driver reported that the cost of altering both Bridges mention in the resolution of the last Meeting would be about One hundred and fifty pounds.
Ordered that M^r Driver do procure the Materials necessary for the erection of Swing Bridges in lieu of the present permanent Bridges called the Gallows and Saul Bridges.
M^r Ford's proposal was again taken into consideration and the Committee resolved that in as much as the Act of Parliament does no give an express power to let particular Tolls it is not expedient to attempt any such arrangement and M^r Hawker was requested to communicate this decision to him.
A letter from M^r Sam Sims dated this day was read in which he complained to the Company the inconvenience occasioned by the Stoppage and delay of Corn in the Whitminster Level.
It was Ordered that M^r Driver should employ two additional men in drudging the Level so as to prevent (as far as possible) similar delays for the future and that he should consider the means of repairing the Lock Gates at Whitminster and report thereon at the next Meeting.
