How we take electric street lighting for granted these days. But in the 1890’s things were very different and a walk along many of Blantyre’s streets at night, was usually a walk in the pitch black!
By 22nd October 1892, it was noted in local press that the new connections made to the Gas Works at Stonefield Road had now been made and the Gas Manager was anxious to show the public what the facility was capable of.
The Committee responsible for lighting Blantyre’s streets called for a public meeting where the agenda was to invite prominent and influential citizens who may be interested in the erection of new gas lamps at outdoor locations on or near their properties. To recognise this service benefits all, an additional 2d per 1000cubic feet of gas would be charged to Blantyre’s ratepayers. Plans were also afoot to appoint a public body for managing all of Blantyre’s gas affairs and to act as guardians of the lamps, in terms of daily lighting and maintenance.
The dark nights were approaching in late October, so no time was to be lost in lighting some more of Blantyre’s streets that Winter.
