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
Ealing 1950
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Ealing]
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34
Movable Dwellings.
1. Gypsy Caravans.
During the year numerous complaints were received regarding
the nuisance caused by gypsy caravans in the Northolt area. In
recent years the problem of dealing with caravans of this type
has become more acute owing to the urbanisation of many previously
rural areas in West Middlesex. This has resulted in more active
action being taken by the Councils in whose areas the gypsies were
accustomed to park their caravans with the consequence that the
caravans are kept constantly on the move and the gypsies take
advantage of any undeveloped land, including that in the Northolt
area, on which to find a temporary camping ground.
Apart from the nuisance from the public health standpoint
there is also the annoyance caused to residents in the area by horses
straying, breaking down hedges and fences and damaging gardens.
The extent of the problem may be gathered from the following figures :
| Year | Number of caravans removed by the Sanitary Inspector by informal action or by pulling them on to the roadway with the assistance of the Police | Number of Statutory Notices served | Number of cases taken to local Magistrates Court | Result of Court action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949 | 318 | 57 | 9 | Orders made for the removal of caravans. A fine of £1 was imposed in each of two cases |
| Jan. 1950 to Feb. 1951 | 305 | 103 | 14 (relating to 33 caravans) | In each case Orders were made for the removal of the caravans. Costs amounting to £4. 7s. Od. were awarded and fines amounting to £11 were imposed. |