Before the end of the 18th century, a Dispensary, supported by voluntary subscriptions, was established in North John Street; [formerly John Street] its object was to provide the poor with medicine and medical advice. In 1848, Liverpool's first Borough Engineer strongly recommended the introduction of impervious roadways, but it was not until 1892 that such a road surface was actually laid. For streets carrying heavy traffic, various types of setts were laid on a six inch concrete foundation. The first use of such a road surface was in North John Street.