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43
Thus, of the 140 flats, there are 20 one-bedroom, 78 two-bedroom and
42 three-bedroom flats. Each of the 3 types, in addition to the rooms
above enumerated, was provided with a large working scullery supplied
with copper and gas cooker, also larder, coal cellar, a bathroom and
separate w.c. Owing to the height of the building small hoists were
provided, situated in the main staircase walls, exclusively for use of
coals; these, however, have not proved a success. Cycle and perambulator
accommodation was also provided for in separate groups of low
buildings attached to each tenement block. The lighting was electric,
and hot water was supplied from the living room range, and as an
alternative source of supply from gas boilers. The general construction
of the buildings followed the specifications laid down and approved by
the Ministry of Health, the general treatment being of a simple
character. The exterior walls were faced with bricks and the roofs
covered with tiles.
The Committee have now under consideration the question of a
small block of flats in Sherriff Road. The site is available, and it is
proposed to erect on it a block of 16 flats, these being of the 3 bedroom
variety, and designed more especially to accommodate people with
large families. The average superficial area of each flat is 804 feet
super., exclusive of the area occupied by staircases, balconies, and pram
sheds. This scheme has been approved by the Borough Council, but
has not yet been started.
In two cases of overcrowding was recourse had to legal proceedings
in 1925, and in both cases the Bench made an order for the abatement,
which after considerable difficulty was enforced. In the first instance,
a room was found to be occupied by a man and wife, two adult children
and two young children. The room was used for living and sleeping
purposes; it was very dirty and verminous, and the only window it
possessed opened into another small bedroom occupied by the landlady
and her adult granddaughter. The total deficiency of cubic feet of air
space was 1,075 cubic feet; and the window referred to was kept closed.
The mother, who was expectant, had been employed as at outworker for
a London firm, but the homework was stopped owing to the verminous
condition in which it had been returned to the factory.
In the other case, a man, wife and four young children were all
living and sleeping in a back room where the deficiency of air space
was 288 cubic feet. The room was in a dirty condition and full of
furniture.