 The Urban District Council comprised a number of councillors and a chairman and initially took over the powers of the Local Board of Health, formed in 1872.The Council's responsibilities included sanitary services, sewerage, refuse collection, housing, streets, cemeteries, libraries, parks, controls on buildings such as petrol stations, and licensing of public entertainments.The council was administered by a number of committees and by appointed officers including a Clerk, Treasurer, Medical Officer of Health, Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector.