Municipal Borough of Erith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Erith |
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| Motto: LABOUR OVERCOMES ALL THINGS | |
 Erith Town Hall |
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| Geography | |
| Status | Local Government District (1876-1894) Urban district (1894 - 1938) Municipal borough (after 1938) |
| HQ | Erith |
| History | |
| Created | 1876 |
| Abolished | 1965 |
| Succeeded by | London Borough of Bexley |
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Erith was a special area in north west Kent, England, that had its own local government from 1876 to 1965. It was centered around the town of Erith. This district also included nearby suburban areas like Northumberland Heath, Belvedere, and parts of Barnehurst, Bexleyheath, Crayford, and a section of Abbey Wood.
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History of Erith's Local Government
How Erith Was Governed
The Erith district was created because of a law called the Local Government Act 1858. This law allowed local areas to set up their own governing bodies. So, the people of Erith formed a "Local Board" in 1876. This board was a group of people chosen to manage the town's services and affairs.
Later, in 1894, another law, the Local Government Act 1894, changed how local areas were run. Erith's Local Board became an "urban district." An urban district was a type of local government area, usually for towns or busy areas, that had more powers to manage things like roads, sanitation, and public health. On June 2, 1932, the district council moved into a new building, Erith Town Hall, which was built just for them.
Changes Over Time
The Erith Urban District Council also ran its own tram services. These trams helped people travel around the area. The tram system was known as the Erith Urban District Council Tramways. However, in 1933, a larger organization called the London Passenger Transport Board took over all public transport in London and its surrounding areas, including Erith's trams.
In 1938, Erith gained an even higher status. It became a "municipal borough." This meant it had more independence and could manage even more local services, similar to a city council.
Erith Joins Greater London
The Erith district continued to operate until 1965. At that time, a major change happened in local government because of the London Government Act 1963. This law reorganized many areas around London. Erith's area was moved from the county of Kent and became part of Greater London.
Erith's former area was then combined with other nearby districts. Together, they formed a new, larger local government area called the London Borough of Bexley. This is how the area is governed today.
