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residents in a block of flats, and from a social club where
music from a record player late at night disturbed the
occupants of nearby dwelling houses. Here again, the officers
of the Public Health Department were successful in securing
the co-operation of the offenders.
Caravan Sites
The unauthorised use as a caravan standing of the
land at the junction of New Church Road and Southampton
Way continued to give rise to complaints. Statutory action
was taken against the offenders, however, and eventually
all the caravans were removed from the site.
Towards the end of the year, a similar problem arose
on a site at the corner of Benhill Road and Elmington Road.
Here some 'squatters' occupied a caravan, erected a tent,
lit bonfires and generally caused considerable nuisance
and annoyance to local residents. The photograph facing
page 8 shows the general disorderliness and unpleasant
appearance of this plot of land. In this instance, too,
it became necessary to serve notices and take legal proceedings
to secure their removal. After their departure, the
Borough Engineer and Surveyor arranged for the clearance
of the offensive refuse from the site, which was then
protected by fencing.
Underground Bakehouses
There is only one underground bakehouse still in use
in the Borough with a Certificate of Suitability issued
by the Council under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901,
and renewed at a quinquennial review of such establishments
in accordance with the Factories Acts, 1937 and 1961.
During the year, it was found that a basement bakehouse,
which had been discontinued in 1954, had again been brought
into operation in contravention of the Factories Act, which
prohibits the use of a basement bakehouse as such if it
has been discontinued for a period exceeding twelve months.
The owner appealed to the Council to allow him to continue
to use the bakehouse as he had expended money in carrying
out improvements. He was informed, however, that the Council
had no power to permit the use of this bakehouse to be
resumed and unless its operation were discontinued forthwith,
legal proceedings would be taken. The owner ceased
to use the bakehouse and no further action was necessary.