1955 – 7th May – Kenilworth Urban District Council – Elections

Abbey (3 seats)

*Mrs K. Alford	Independent	486
*Sidney Flavel	Conservative Party	441
*Mrs P. Huckvale	Independent	373
Alex Jeacock	Conservative Party	337

NO CHANGE

Borrowell (3 seats)

*William Bostock	Independent	910
Jack Cox	Conservative Party	873
*Eric Bernard Smith	Independent	790
J. A. McDonald	Labour Party	572

CONSERVATIVE GAIN FROM INDEPENDANT

Castle (3 seats)

*Leonard Smalley	Independent	764
*W. Taylor	Independent	723
*Henry Watling	Independent	717
Mrs J. Worrall	Independent	398

NO CHANGE

Park Hill (3 seats)

Joseph Watts	Conservative Party	616
*A. James	Independent	509
*Thomas Jackson	Independent	388
*Ernest Glenn	Independent	356
Harold Gloster	Labour Party	343
Florence Langdale	Independent	269

CONSERVATIVE GAIN FROM INDEPENDENT

*denotes retiring member

Overall Turnout 52%

THE DUSTBIN ELECTION

In the weeks leading up to the election there had been issues with the dustbin collections or rather the lack of them. Ratepayers were not happy people, and numerous complaints were received. The council responded by saying that the dustbin vehicle was constantly breaking down plus the shortage of ‘Dustbinmen’ was the cause of the problems. The Surveyor has suggested putting forward a possible incentive bonus to attract workmen into the job, and the purchase of a new lorry would stop the recurring repair costs to the present one, which is now, ten years old.

But whether the ‘rubbish’ problem contributed to the supposedly low turnout is disputable, the 52% could be said to be a ‘normal’ poll for Kenilworth elections. There were reasonably close polls for third seat in both Abbey and Park Hill, but in the other two wards, the candidates were easily returned. Labour only stood in two wards, Borrowell and Park Hill, both candidates failed to be elected. Mr Gloster being the closest, getting within 40 odd votes in Park Hill.

Two New Members

Jack Alwyn Cox, of Oaks Road, has lived in the town for most of his life and is employed at Humber Ltd in Coventry as a wages accountant. He is the vice-president of the Kenilworth Conservative Club and has served on its committee for sometime. Mr Cox is also the treasurer of the Coventry East Conservative Association. He is married with no children and in his spare-time he is a Special Constable. He was educated at Warwick School where he had gained a scholarship.

Joseph Watts, is a master Ironmonger by trade, which he started in 1948. This followed employment for many years as an engineer. He is married and has a 12 year-old son. Mr Watts is not a member of any club or organisation and spends his spare time gardening. He has lived in Kenilworth all his life, in the ward he will represent. He was educated at St Augustine’s School.

KUDC Councillors

9 Independents (A. James, T. Jackson, L. Smalley, W. Taylor, H. Watling, W. Bostock, E. Smith, Mrs Alford, Mrs Huckvale)

3 Conservatives (J. Watts, J. Cox, S. Flavel)

Chairman 1955-58

Chairmans Chain of Office – Courtesy of Warwickshire County Records Office. (ref. PN (N) 600/147/3)