South Yorkshire Times, January 3rd 1902
A Wombwell Obstruction
Samuel Dook, greengrocer, of Station Road, Wombwell, was charged with causing an obstruction on the footpath fronting his shop, by placing two hampers thereon.
Mr. H. M. Walker defended.
On the. 20th ult, two hampers were placed on the footpath in front of the shop, and these occupied the space of a yard on a 10 ft. causeway. Rabbits were also hung up outside, which were likewise an obstruction.
Mr. John Robinson, clerk to the, Urban District Council, said the footpath was public property, and was made by the District Council, at their expense, and at the request the owner, Mr. Whitehead.
Cross-examined, witness said Mr Whitehead told him he had bought more land in order that he might set back the building line, but he requested the Council by letter to make the footpath.
Mr. Walker said the additional land was bought in order to provide the space at the front, and he sought to establish a right. The land was valuable, and it was a, serious matter to the owner. Mr. Robinson said at the owner’s request the Council had spent from, £80 to £100 on the property.
For the defence John Hunt Whitehead, owner of the property, said what the Council had done been at their own desire. He had a veranda of a narrow causeway, and he asked the Council place a channel down, and at the request of a deputation the Council he agreed to let them make a prop causeway, though he told them he did not want to lose his rights.
The Chairman said the majority of the Bench were of the opinion that an obstruction had been caused. Personally he had no doubt of it, and defendant would be fined five shillings and costs.