Coal wharf ..truck depot ..Sikh temple?
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AN OBJECTION to an application for an operator's licence was based on the claim that the premises were residential.
But, in fact, they had been used as a vehicle depot for years and the previous use had been as a coal wharf.
All this, plus the possibility of the premises being turned into a temple for the local Sikh community, was heard by the West Midland Licensing Authority, Mr A. A. Crabtree, last week.
James Robinson applied for a licence for two vehicles based at Wellington Street, The Peck, Walsall. It was opposed by West Midland County Council.
A waste paper merchant, Mr Robinson had operated from the premises, rented from Walsall Borough Council, for a number of years.
His vehicles were too small to come within the 0-licence provisions. He had now acquired a larger vehicle and a licence was necessary.
Mr Norman Carless, representing Mr Robinson, said there appeared to have been a breakdown in communications between the two local authorities.
Mr G. Hapgood, principal engineer in the county council's engineering and transportation department, admitted he had only become aware that morning that the applicant was the legal occupant of the premises and that there was an established use.
However, after telephoning Walsall, it appeared that the premises were to be purchased by the local Sikh community, who had permission to erect a temple on the site. Mr Robinson would receive a notice to quit in the near future.
In evidence, Mr Robinson said he now had permission to keep the one vehicle he proposed to operate at the Walsall premises of Sydney Howard Road Services Ltd. After a recent financial set-back, following a fire at the premises, the vehicle would be maintained by a commercial garage.
Asked by Mr Crabtree whether he had read A Guide To Operators' Licensing, a booklet produced by the Department of Transport, Mr Robinson said he was unable to read. No one had explained the regulations to him. After Mr Crabtree had indicated how unhappy he was with the situation, Mr Carless argued that Robinson was seeking a small vehicle that only just fell within 0 licensing and which would only be used locally.
It was a very different situation to that of an api cant who was seeking a 'al articulated vehicle for lc distance traffic.
Granting a licence for c vehicle for one year, Crabtree said...he had b€ inclined to refuse the appli, tion but was mindful that "1 proof of the pudding .k/s really in the eating".
The position would reviewed in 12 months' ti and he hoped that Mr Rob son would take some adv about his responsibilities.