London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bexley 1965
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]
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With a view to reducing noise arising from road breaking equipment, the Council now includes a
suitable clause in contracts where use of such equipment is likely.
Contact is maintained with statutory undertakings and other bodies concerning the use of
equipment and it is customary to include amongst the additional items drawn to the attention of
demolition contractors, upon whom Notices under Section 29 of the Public Health Act 1961 are
served, the need to ensure that equipment, concrete breakers, compressors, etc. are, where necessary,
adequately muffled or screened.
SWIMMING POOLS
In 1965 there were three outdoor swimming pools situated in the Borough and maintained by
the Council. Two were available for use by the general public and the other used exclusively by
school children, youth clubs, etc. The latter pool has now been demolished. Since 1965 three
indoor swimming pools have been opened, one at Bexleyheath and one at Sidcup during 1967, and
one at Erith during 1968.
In addition, there are three swimming pools on school premises, two are covered and the other
is an open pool. There is also an indoor pool at a residential home, and an open pool at a large
factory.
Water samples from all these pools are frequently submitted for bacteriological examination and
routine Lovibond Comparator Tests for chlorine are carried out at regular intervals.
The following table gives details of bacteriological samples taken and submitted for examination to the Public Health Laboratory Service
| Year | Samples taken | Unsatisfactory |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 85 | 4 |
| 1966 | 73 | 2 |
| 1967 | 106 | 11 |
| 1968 | 124 | None |
| 1969 | 158 | 4 |
| Totals | 546 | 21 |
Where unsatisfactory results on samples were reported visits of inspection were made to all
pools and, following the giving of advice to the responsible staff, further samples were taken and
these were all reported as satisfactory.
It has become clear that proper instruction must be given to those responsible for the day to
day operation of school swimming pools, as so often it is found that a lack of knowledge of the
essentials of swimming pool water chlorination leads to an unsatisfactory and unsafe water for
bathing.
It cannot be emphasised enough that, when schools are embarking on the provision of a swimming
pool, often through the generosity of parent associations, they should not go forward with
the project without first consulting people professionally qualified to advise them. They should
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