Leeds Mercury – Wednesday 11 January 1939

Arctic Conditions at Wombwell

Melting Snow In Order To Wash

“You may think this is a fairy tale, but know for a fact that in the past few weeks people have had to melt snow to get water for washing.”

This statement was made by the Medical Officer. Dr. J. C. Pickup, at a meeting of Wombwell Urban District Council to-night during a discussion on what was described as a serious water shortage at the Barnsley end of the township.

The Medical Officer also said he knew of an Instance of man who had to go from Wombwell to Barnsley to get a bath. In another case a woman complained she could not get water at all when the fishmonger was washing fish or cleaning his car.

The discussion arose on a petition from 15 tenants of that end of the township. The letter stated it was impossible to get supplies for personal use and spoke of the conditions being a “menace health.” The writers stated that unless something were done immediately a complaint would be sent to the Minister of Health.

The Medical Officer said the shortage was definitely most acute, and recently had got worse Instead of better. He would say unhesitatingly that it constituted a menace to health.

The Council decided to forward the letter the Dearne Valley Water Board with a covering note from the Clerk