Progress says move over to Spoor sisters

In 1953 two sisters names Spoor, Anne 76 and Mary 71,  were called the Folk Who Live on The Hill in Swalwell village, Durham. They lived in an old-world cottage built by the grandfather at the beginning of the 19th century. It consisted of three rooms, lit by oild lamps.
They kept their garden neat and sold flowers for a living, and crystal clear water was drawn by pump from a well.
Then the water turned black and began giving off multi-coloured fumes when boiled, and the flowers and fruit trees in the garden died.
They complained to the local council santory inspector who called ine xperts from Durham University and an analysis of the water and soil  revealed poison which was traced to waste deposits from new industries which had been built on the hill.
The sisters had no choice - they had to move and the cottage was pulled down.
This was reported in the Daily Sketch of 9 May 1953. The article ended:

But there has been a happy ending. The council has allocated a council house to the Spoor sisters. But most important the new house in Ruskin Road, Swalwell,  is on a hill top estate.

What joy - to be moved from a much loved home and garden - to a council estate!