Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee: July 7th 1921
OPENING OF FURTHER DAILY BRANCHES
The question of providing
additional facilities at certain branches now open during evening hours only has been under consideration. The additional staff provides
an opportunity for carrying out this policy a little earlier than would have been recommended in the ordinary development of the Bank.
The branches which have shown a satisfactory development during the past twelve months are as set out below:-
|
|
No. of open accounts |
No.
of transactions during the year |
Amount due to Depositors £ |
Increase during the year £ |
|
Bearwood |
832 |
5,564 |
20,716 |
12,302 |
|
Harborne |
705 |
4,045 |
19,492 |
10,030 |
|
Kings
Heath |
672 |
4,002 |
17,450 |
8,859 |
|
Erdington |
669 |
2,905 |
17,755 |
8,136 |
(These figures relate to the position as ascertained at the 31st March last.)
In the case of Bearwood the premises are let to the Bank on a yearly tenancy, and the same rent and rates would be payable whether used during the evenings only or as a daily branch. The success of this Branch is due, in the Manager's opinion, to the enthusiasm of the Clerk-in-charge, Mr C Danks. The books are kept in a first-rate manner, and the Branch stands out prominently as a well conducted evening branch. It is recommended to offer Mr Danks the appointment on the branch becoming a daily branch, on the terms applicable to Grade B.
In the case of Harborne, the branch is conducted in the Public Library, which is an unsatisfactory arrangement. Up
to the present it has not been possible to obtain other premises. It is therefore proposed to continue as at present at Harborne until
suitable premises are obtained, when the branch could then be made into a daily branch.
In the case of Kings Heath, the premises
were purchased by the Bank, and as a temporary arrangement the business has been carried on in a very narrow shop which was originally
a gateway entrance. Mr McMichael has been instructed to report upon the premises, and to advise the Committee how the same can be
made into a suitable Bank. It is felt that the most appropriate time to open this branch as a daily branch will be when the structural
alterations have been made.
In the case of Erdington, the premises are suitable for a daily branch. The same rent and rates are
payable whether used as a daily or an evening branch. It is recommended that this branch be opened daily as and from the 1st September
next.
(July 7th 1921)
Bank Committee: July 18th 1921
Report of the Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee:
Opening of additional Daily Branches.
Your Sub-Committee have had before them a report of the Manager with regard to the opening of certain evening branches as daily branches. The additional staff available under the recent arrangements with the Water Department provides an opportunity of carrying out this arrangement at an earlier date than would otherwise occur in the ordinary development of the Bank.
The Evening Branches which have shown a satisfactory development during the past 12 months are as follows:
Bearwood, Harborne, King's Heath and Erdington.
With regard to Harborne, your Sub-Committee are of opinion that the opening of a daily branch should be deferred until more suitable premises in this district have been obtained.
In view of the prospective enlargement of the Branch premises at King's Heath, they are also of opinion that the opening as a daily branch should be deferred until the extended accommodation is available.
In the cases of Bearwood and Erdington, however, the existing premises are quite suitable for opening as daily branches, and such an arrangement would not involve any additional payment of rent or rates.
It is now recommended, therefore, that instructions should be given for the opening of the Erdington and Bearwood Branches as daily branches as and from the 1st September next, and that the King's Heath Branch be opened as a daily Branch when the increased accommodation is available.
871 RESOLVED:- That the Erdington and Bearwood Branches be opened as Daily Branches as from 1st September next; that the Kings Heath Branch be opened as a Daily Branch when the necessary increased accommodation is available; and that the Manager be instructed to arrange accordingly.
Bank Committee: September 19th 1921
On Minute No 828 (Gravelly Hill Property)
893 RESOLVED:- That Minute No 828 be discharged.
On Minute No 871 (Opening of additional Bank Branches), the Manager reported that Bearwood and Erdington Branches have been converted into daily branches as and from the 1st September last.
901 RESOLVED:- That Minute No 871, be discharged.
Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee: December 12th 1921
On Minute No 517 (Erdington Branch) the Manager reported as follows:
Erdington Branch.
The necessary repairs have been carried out at this Branch. The Branch has shown a distinct improvement since the same was transferred from the schools, but the Manager is of opinion the Committee should endeavour to secure shop premises at the earliest opportunity.
550 RESOLVED:- That Minute No 517 (Decorations etc at Erdington Branch) be discharged and the actions taken confirmed.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: May 8th 1922
Attention was called to certain premises at the corner of Wood End Lane and Gravelly Hill North which might be suitable for Branch Bank purposes.
102 RESOLVED:- That Mr Councillor Gelling and the Manager be requested to inspect the premises above-mentioned and report as to their suitability for Bank purposes.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: February 12th 1923
The General Manager reported that the freehold property situate at the corner of Coton Lane and High Street Erdington had again been offered to Mr Wilde. In the opinion of Councillor Gelling, this was one of the best sites for the Bank purposes in Erdington, and the latter thought that if the property could be obtained for a reasonable figure the proposal should be entertained. The General Manager further reported that this property came within certain widening proposals of the Corporation, and it might be advisable to confer with the Public Works Committee thereon.
261 RESOLVED:- That the Chairman (Alderman Lovsey) Councillors Appleby, Gelling and Stephens with the General Manager be appointed to ascertain the views of the Public Works and Town Planning Committee in regard to a joint scheme being adopted which would permit of the provision of suitable premises for a Branch Bank.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: February 12th 1923
General Purposes Sub-Committee: February 26th 1923
General Purposes Sub-Committee: February 26th 1923
With reference to Minute No 261 (Premises, corner of Coton Lane and High Street, Erdington) the following report of Mr Frank Wilde with reference to the property referred to was received:
Frank Wilde & Glover.
Daimler House,
33, Paradise Street,
BIRMINGHAM.
23rd February, 1923.
249 and 251, High Street, Erdington.
In accordance with your instructions I have made a careful inspection of the Freehold Property comprising Two Houses Nos 249 and 251, High St, Erdington forming the corner of Coton Lane.
The Property occupies an important corner site in the Shopping Centre of Erdington, opposite Newman Road, and the Primitive Methodist Church, and has a frontage to the High Street of about 58 feet. The buildings stand back from the Road a minimum distance of about 36 feet, which represents about 27 feet further back than the existing adjoining Property.
No 249 High Street is at present in the occupation of Mr Treadway at a rental of £37. 10. 0. per annum, Tenant paying rates. I understand that he is the owner of No 8, Watt Road, Erdington, which is at present in the occupation of a Tenant. He however expects to obtain possession of the house by the 12th March, and will then vacate No 249 High Street. The accommodation comprises:
On the GROUND FLOOR: Stone flagged Hall with door to yard in rear. Front Reception Room 15'6" into bay x 15'0". Room in rear 14'9" deep x 12'4" across (these two rooms could be made into one having a total depth of about 30 ft. they could also be used in conjunction with the rooms of the adjoining No 249, thus giving a frontage of about 30 ft.) Pantry, Kitchen and Scullery.
The BASEMENT comprises Cellarage.
On the FIRST FLOOR: Three Bedrooms, Bathroom and WC
There is a side door from Coton Lane to paved yard in which is an old Stable with loft over, WC and ash place. There is a small Coach House built into the main structure forming the front of the building.
No 251 High Street is at present in the occupation of Mr Jones, Jobbing Builder at a rental of 13/- per week, Tenant paying Rates. I understand that the Owner has offered the tenant £40 to vacate the premises and that there is a possibility of his doing so during the present month.
The Accommodation comprises:
On the GROUND FLOOR: Through Flagged Hall, Front Reception Room (15 ft. 6 in. into Bay x 15 ft.) Room in Rear (15 ft. x 13 ft.) communicating to Pantry, Covered Lobby also having separate side approach from High Street, communicating to Back Kitchen.
The BASEMENT comprises Cellarage.
On the FIRST FLOOR: Three Bedrooms, Combined Bathroom and WC. At the rear is paved yard with WC and Garden.
The
main structure is substantially built, but is need of renovation. The Outbuildings are in a bad state of repair and require attention.
One of the heads of the front chimneys needs taking down and rebuilding. The Interior decoration of both the Houses is badly neglected.
The Site is a good one and in my opinion would prove an excellent position for a Branch of your Bank. The area of the whole is approximately estimated at 700 square yards.
In arriving at my Valuation I would point out that the present buildings are inadequate to the importance of the site, although in the event of your purchasing the Property, you could of course utilize the main structure.
Should you decide to proceed further with this matter, it would also perhaps be possible to bring our building line forward thus giving a larger Banking Hall should you desire it.
I value this Freehold Property presuming that Vacant Possession of the whole would be given within one month, and having due regard to the importance of the position at the sum of ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED POUNDS (£1,900. 0. 0.)
Yours faithfully,
(sgd) FRANK WILDE.
It was pointed out that it was probable that the proposed widening Scheme of the Public Works and Town Planning Committee at this point would not be carried out for some time to come.
On consideration of the suitability of these premises for adaption for Branch Bank purposes, the question was discussed of the desirability of bringing the front of the building into line with existing buildings, and it was pointed out that it was probable that in this event the Public Works &c Committee would only agree to the construction of a one storey building.
After discussion it was:
272 RESOLVED:- That the General Manager be instructed to make arrangements for the representatives appointed to deal with this matter to visit the site in question to ascertain whether the premises could be suitably adapted or reconstructed for Branch Bank purposes if the same could be secured at a reasonable price.
General Purposes Sub-Committee: March 12th 1923
On Minutes Nos 261 and 272 (property, corner of Coton Lane and High Street, Erdington) the City Surveyor stated that the Public Works and Town Planning Committee would not be willing to allow any building to be erected in front of the building line laid down by them.
The City Surveyor also stated that it was probable that suitable premises might shortly be available at The Green, Erdington, which he considered would be a very suitable location for a Branch, and after discussion it was:
284 RESOLVED:- That no further action be taken with regard to the acquisition of the property at the corner of Coton Lane and High Street, and that the City Surveyor be requested to make enquiries as to whether it would be possible to purchase the premises referred to by him.
Bank Committee: March 19th 1923
General Purposes Sub-Committee: April 9th 1923
On Minute No 284 (Premises at Erdington) the General Manager stated that he had not heard anything further from the City Surveyor regarding the premises to by him at the last meeting.
The Chairman of the General Committee had, however, been approached with reference to premises situate at 267 & 269, such premises, with the exception of the ground floor shop at No 269, being held under lease by Messrs Foster Bros who were vacating the premises. Messrs Foster Bros had informed Councillor Appleby that they were prepared to assign the lease to the Bank for a payment of £300, subject to a quick decision being arrived at, as they had received several applications to take over the lease on the same terms.
Councillors Appleby and Gelling, together with the General Manager, had visited the premises and were of opinion that the freehold should if possible be purchased, and on their instructions Mr Wilde inspected the property, and reported as follows:
Frank Wilde & Glover, Auctioneers, Valuers, Surveyors & Estate Agents.
Daimler House,
33, Paradise
Street,
BIRMINGHAM.
7th April, 1923.
Dear Sir,
Re 267 and 269, High Street, Erdington.
In accordance with your instructions I have made an inspection of the Freehold Property Nos 267 and 269 High Street, Erdington, having a frontage of 30'2". The Ground Floor shop of No 269 with a frontage of 15'5" is in the occupation of Messrs Pullars, Dyers and Cleaners on an Annual Tenancy at a rental of £45, Tenant paying Rates, (I was unable to ascertain from which Quarter day this Annual Tenancy commenced, but will obtain this information in due course should you require it). No 267 together with the rooms over and at rear of both Shops is let on Lease to Messrs Foster Bros Clothing Co. and was until recently in their occupation. The Rent I understand for the whole is £65 rising in a year's time to £70, when the term continues for a further five years. This accommodation consists of Sale Shop 14'9" wide with a depth of 26' (including window enclosure) Scullery, Cellar, On the First Floor: Three good Bedrooms and one small one, On the Second Floor: is an Attic. There are certain timber erected outhouses in addition to the usual coals, ashes and WC.
The two shops are fitted with modern plate glass fronts and are in very fair condition, but the remainder of the Property is in need of renovation.
I am informed Messrs Foster Bros, are asking a Premium of £300 for their Lease, which would mean a heavy Rent to anyone who was not prepared to acquire the freehold. I interviewed Mr Archer of Orchard Rd the Owner of the Freehold, with the view to ascertaining if he was prepared to sell the property when he asked me to make an offer but I intimated it would be better if he, being the Vendor, named the figure he would be prepared to accept. He has called at our Office and offered the two Freehold Shops, together with the land at rear having a frontage to Summer Rd, for the sum of £2200, (TWO THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED POUNDS).
Having regard to the position of the Property, the fact that possession of one shop may be obtained immediately and that the other is on a short Tenancy and not within the protection of the Rent Act, I do not consider the price asked unreasonable. On negotiation however there might be a possibility of purchasing at a lower figure.
Messrs Parr, Hasell & Parr have promised to provide me with the area of the land and actual frontage to Summer Road early next week. I will let you have this information immediately it comes to hand.
Yours faithfully,
(sgd) Frank Wilde.
313 RESOLVED:- That the General Committee be recommended to agree to the payment to Messrs Foster Bros of £300 in respect of the assignment of the lease of the premises in High Street, Erdington, and that Mr Councillor Appleby and the General Manager, in conference with Mr Wilde, be authorised to negotiate with a view to the purchase of the freehold of Nos 267 and 269, High Street, Erdington, at a sum not exceeding £2,200.