Desborough's Bad Roads, 1867

To the Editor of the Northampton Mercury.
Desborough, Dec. 24, 1867.

Sir,—Will you be so kind as to allow me, through the medium of your valuable paper, to call the attention of the ratepayers in general, and to others having authority in particular, to the present filthy state of the causeways of the populous village of Desborough. We are called upon to contribute no small sum for the repair of roads, which we cheerfully give, in expectation of receiving improvements, cleanliness, and future comforts; but we do most emphatically object to pay for gross neglect.

To give the public some idea of the present filthy state of the causeways: which are now covered with mud and slush to such a depth that some of the parishioners, on going to church and chapel last Sunday, lost their goloshes; others had their dresses fearfully bespattered; whilst the more timid deem it unsafe to venture out into the dirty street at all.

This state of things cannot be tolerated, and I would strongly recommend those having authority to immediate action.

I remain, dear sir, your's truly,
AN INHABITANT.

 Northampton Mercury, Saturday 28 December 1867