London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Dagenham 1928

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]

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21
In addition to collection from houses, refuse is collected
from the schools in the district.
For collection of trade refuse a charge was made of 5s.
per load or 6d. per bin, but in spite of facilities offered for
removal, some traders continue to use their own incinerators
for its disposal, continuing a practice in operation before
any alternative arrangements were made. The smoke from
these incinerators causes much annoyance to local inhabitants.
The refuse is removed to the Tip in the northern part of
the district. This method of disposal was originally one of
filling in a gravel pit. The bulk of material, however, is now
so enormous that, in spite of the pit still being worked for
gravel, dumping has to take place at higher levels, with the
result that the Tip is now! above road level. Being thus
elevated it is exposed to all winds and is continuously alight,
the smoke and fumes being noticeable at considerable distances.
Further, the dump being a breeding ground for rats
and flies, the nuisancc calls for some change in the method
of refuse disposal.
Complaints have been received about passages at the rear
of certain premises. The plans of a group of shops showing
a secondary means of access to the premises appear to have
been approved by the Council. These places being unlighted
and lonely arc used for the disposal of tilth and rubbish, besides
being used as public conveniences. They are the right of
way for the several occupiers, who have divided responsibility.
The difficulty arises that one owner can hold up the making
of the passage. Rather than endeavour to remedy the nuisances
after their creation, it would be more satisfactory to ensure
freedom from such nuisances before approving the original
plans, these passages becoming ultimately either new streets
or private means of access.
Sanitary Inspection of the District.
Report of Sanitary Inspectors.
(a) Nature and number of inspections.
Houses 1,202
Bakehouses 39
Slaughterhouses 321
Milkshops and Dairies 145
Cowsheds 130
Infectious diseases enquiries 1,578
Houses disinfected 1,076
Bedding removed for disinfection 3
No. of nuisances investigated 86
(b) Notices served. Complied with.
Statutory, 60 60
Informal, 26 21