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Smoke Abatement.—It is part of the work of a Sanitary Inspector
to observe any nuisance arising from smoke. There were 20 actual
recorded instances of observations during the year but the chimneys
in the Borough have in fact been subject to daily observation by the
Inspectors. Six complaints of smoke nuisance were received during
the year and cautionary letters were sent to the offenders.
Fouling of Footways by Dogs.—The Borough Council has obtained
sanction for a byelaw to deal with this nuisance. This has already been
found useful, the condition of footways having improved considerably
since the measure came into operation. During the year two prosecutions
were taken for infringement of the byelaw, and convictions were
obtained.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—A Sanitary Inspector
is authorised under this Act to act as Rat Officer in his district. The
Act places the responsibility for rat preventive measures upon the
occupiers of premises. During the year the Council provided rat catching
varnish to applicants for the destruction of rats and 120 bait traps were
prepared and issued. In conjunction with the Works Department,
investigation was made of a number of old sewers likely to be infested
with rats and a large number of baits were laid. During the year many
persons were advised as to the best means of dealing with the rat nuisance
so far as it affected their respective premises.
Nuisance caused by Pigeons.—The London County Council (General
Powers) Act, 1927, enables a Sanitary Authority to take necessary steps
to reduce the number of pigeons within its area.
Much difficulty has been experienced in carrying out pigeon destruction,
owing to the opposition of a large section of the public.
During the year 1935, 20 pigeons were captured and humanely
destroyed.