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

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Penge 1955

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Penge]

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6
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
Water Supply
The water supply of the area has been satisfactory both in quality and
quantity, all the houses in the district being provided with a constant service of
water by the Metropolitan Water Board. The County Pathologist reports that
the samples of water submitted to him quarterly were good. The majority of
the premises are directly connected to the rising main. Two storage cisterns
were renewed, cleansed or covered.
Drainage and Sewerage
All the premises in the district are connected to the public sewers, the
sewerage of Penge going through the Metropolitan Borough of Lewisham, into
the London County Council's sewers, and part of the surface water into a local
stream which is culverted. Additional manholes were constructed in the
Council's sewers during the year.
Rivers and Streams
There are no rivers in the district. There is a stream forming part of the
boundary between Penge and Beckenham, the whole of which is culverted.
Closet Accommodation
The whole of the premises in the area are provided with waterclosets
connected to the main drainage system.
Public Cleansing
House refuse was collected throughout the district once every week by the
Council's refuse collection service using modern vehicles, and the refuse taken
for disposal to the Beckenham destructor. Trade refuse is also dealt with.
There are no cesspools in the district.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area
The subject is dealt with under the heading of Housing and in the Report
of the Chief Sanitary Inspector.
HOUSING
The erection of 83 flats by the local authority was completed during the
year. Private builders erected 19 dwelling houses and 41 flats, and provided
three flats by converting existing houses.

1. Inspection of Dwellinghouses during the Year:—

(1) (a) Total number of dwellinghouses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health and Housing Acts).823
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose913