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

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Camberwell 1936

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Camberwell.

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Open Spaces. The area of Camberwell is 4,480 acres, and there are 231 acres of open spaces land distributed as follows:—

Division.Maintained by Borough Council.Maintained by L.C.C.Total.
Acres.Acres.Acres.
Dulwich77885
North Camberwell33
North-West Camberwell99
Peckham20114134
Totals39192231

It will be seen on examination of the map which appears opposite
this page, that by far the largest open spaces are situated in that
part of the Borough south of Peckham Road, and in the more
densely populated districts in the north and north-west divisions
there are only a few small open spaces readily accessible to the
inhabitants of these areas, varying from one quarter of an acre
to four acres in extent. It is beyond dispute that among the most
vital needs of the population of large congested districts are fresh
air to breathe and open spaces for rest and recreation.
The question of the adequacy of the open spaces provision for
the Borough is being considered by the Council, and it is hoped
that no opportunity will be lost of acquiring suitable sites in the
Borough for development as open spaces or playing grounds, particularly
in the districts referred to.
The provision of additional small open spaces would in my
opinion provide safe retreats for recreation for both the young and
the old from the ever increasing danger of the streets.
Vaccination
The latest annual return available respecting the vaccination
of children whose births were registered in the Borough relates to
the year 1935. This return indicates that 37 per cent, of the
children registered were successfully vaccinated and that 42 per
cent, were exempted vaccination on the production of a statutory
declaration of conscientious objection. No legal proceedings were
taken for non-compliance with the provisions of the Vaccination
Acts.