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45
The Inspectoral staff also keep observation on rivers and
streams principally to detect pollution, and 58 visits were made for
this purpose.
A watch is also kept for rodent infestation in the banks where
rubbish is liable to accumulate and any infested lengths were treated.
Rainfall and Flooding.
With only 0.32 inches of rain. February was the driest month
of 1963, and November, with twenty-two wet days and rainfall
totalling 3.78 inches, was the wettest.
The average monthly rainfall was 1.78 inches and the yearly
total of 21.32 inches recorded at Manor House compares with 23.96
recorded at The Glade.

With the completion of two new Foul Sewer Outfalls into their
new trunk sewer by the West Kent Main Sewerage Board during
the year, it is expected that risk of overflowing from two main
District Sewers in Station Road, Sidcup, and in the Shuttle Valley
will be greatly diminished.
RODENT CONTROL.
Rodent control work is carried out by a Rodent Operative,
directed by the Public Health Inspectors. Infestations generally
are of a sporadic nature and although widespread are not serious.
If complaints received are to be taken as an index of infestation, a
decrease on the year was recorded, these being 393 (including 43
referring to mice) compared with 420 in 1962. The number of
premises of all types treated during the year came to 850 (879 in
1962) entailing 3,446 visits.
Extermination of rats at dwelling houses is carried out free of
charge, and as large an area as practical in the vicinity is treated at
the same time. A small charge based on the cost of time and
materials is made for work carried out at business premises.