View report page

49
The menace to health and property as a result of the emission of large
quantities of smoke, grit and sulphur gases from large Power Stations
has given rise to widespread public anxiety during the past two years-
Serious apprehension arose in Chelsea owing to the fact that the
construction of a new large Power Station, adjoining Chelsea Bridge, on
the Battersea side of the river, had been approved in connection with the
South-East England Electricity Scheme. Plans were also announced
for a vast extension of the existing Fulham Power Station, adjoining
the western boundary of the Borough.
The adjacent boroughs of Westminster and Kensington, together with
the London County Council, also appreciated the gravity of the situationAs
a consequence, these several Councils, in conjunction with the Chelsea
Borough Council, decided to oppose the proposed extension of the Fulham
Power Station. A public enquiry was held before the Electricity Commissioners
on 15th December, 1930, and following days, at which
Councils were legally represented and the objections to the extension
of the Fulham Station were put forward by experts.
Subsequently, the Electricity Commissioners announced their consent
to the proposed extension, subject to the provision of certain measure
to prevent injury to health and property. The Fulham Borough Council
has been placed under statutory obligation not to work the generating
station when extended so as to occasion a nuisance. To that end it is
stipulated that the Fulham Borough Council shall employ continuously
the most efficient methods which may for the time being be reasonably
practicable (a) to eliminate smoke and grit ; (b) to prevent the discharge
of sulphur and its compounds into the atmosphere ; and (c) to avoid
noise or vibration arising from the working of the station.
Fouling of Footway by Dogs.—The Borough Council has obtained
sanction for a byelaw to deal with this nuisance. This has already been
found useful, the condition of footways having improved considerably
since the measure came into operation. During the year one prosecution
was taken for infringement of the byelaw, and a conviction was obtained
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—A Sanitary Inspection
is authorised under this Act to act as Rat Officer in his district.
Act places the responsibility for rat preventive measures upon
occupiers of premises. During the yeir the Council provided rat catching
varnish to applicants for the destruction of rats arid 135 bait traps were
prepared and issued. In conjunction with the Works Department
investigation was made of a number of old sewers likely to be infested
with rats and a large number of baits were laid. During the year many
persons were advised as to the best means of dealing with the rat nuisan
so far as it affected their respective premises.
The cost to the Council of rat catching varnish during the year was
£5 7s. Od.
Nuisance caused by Pigeons.—During the year further complaints
were received from residents in the neighbourhood of Chelsea Embank
ment, Elm Park Gardens, and Draycott Place regarding nuisance arising
from the large number of pigeons in the area.