The salt companies doggedly refused to accept any liability for subsidence, and its consequent damage to life and property, caused by their industry. In 1881 a Bill to make arrangements for compensation was rejected by parliament, as a result of lobbying by the salt and local chemical companies.
It was not until 1891 that the Brine Pumping (Compensation for Subsidence) Act was passed. In 1952 the Cheshire Brine Pumping (Compensation for Subsidence) Act was passed, which enlarged the area of liability, as seen in the diagram: |
