River Dee, Chester Act 1698

XXII. Proviso for compelling Corporation to furnish Two Ferry Boats, when the River is not fordable between Blacon Point and Burton Head.

Such Boats to be free; Corporation refusing, &c. to provide the same may be fined; Such Fine to be levied by Distress; Penalties how applied.

And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That in case the Channell of the said River shall by the said Navigation become soe deep as that at Low-Water when the Tide of Sea is out of and no Flood of Fresh Water is in the said River the same shall not be fordable for Passengers on Horseback or for Carts or Carriages in any Part of the said River betweene Blacon-Point and Burton-Head aforesaid that then the said Commissioners for the Counties of Flint and Chester or any Seaven or more of them shall and may in such Case only and not otherwise by Warrant or Order in Writing under their Hands and Seales and by and with the Licence and Consent of the Owners of the Sands Land and Ground on both Sides of the said River testified by their sealing and Execution of such Order or Warrant in Writing direct and appoint the said Mayor and Citizens and their Successors within the Space of Three Months to erect and continue use and imploy at Low-Water when the Tide of the Sea is out of and no Flood of Fresh Water is in the said River Two sufficient free Ferry Boats with all Necessaries and Attendance proper thereunto for the Publick Use and Benefitt of all His Majesties Subjects to passe and repasse without paying any thing for the same in such one convenient Place upon the said River betweene the said Blacon-Point and Burton-Head as the said Commissioners soe directing and appointing and Owners soe licensing and consenting as aforesaid shall think fitt to order and direct And in case of any willfull Neglect or Default therein by the said Mayor and Citizens or their Successors during the Continuance of such Order Licence and Consent the said Commissioners or any Seaven or more of them shall and may impose upon the said Mayor and Citizens and their Successors such reasonable Penalties for the same as they in their Discretion shall think fitt to be levied by Distresse and Sale of any Goods or Cattle to be taken in any of the Lands belonging to the said City by a Warrant under the Hands and Seales of the said Commissioners or any Seaven or more of them and Sale thereof in case of Non-Payment of the Penalties imposed within the Space of Tenn Daies rendring the Overplus to the Owner thereof All which Penalties shall be applyed by the said Commissioners or any Seaven or more of them to such Uses and Purposes and for the making and perfecting such Things in Default whereof the same were imposed.