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the master-key to open the lockers. Pre-cleansing showers and foot
baths are provided for all bathers before they can enter the pool.
Arrangements have been made for the large pool to be closed
during the winter months when a sprung floor will be laid covering
the whole area and an agreement has been concluded with the London
County Council for that Authority to rent the accommodation so
provided as an indoor sports centre for youth clubs.
One complaint was brought to the attention of the Public Health
Department during the year concerning a child who experienced irritation
to the eyes after swimming in the small pool. The complaint was fully
investigated but there appeared to be no obvious explanation relating
to the chlorination of the water which had actually been routine tested
for chlorine on the morning in question and the reading was normal.
76 other people had used the small pool that morning but no further
complaints were received.
During the financial year 1st April, 1962 to 31st March, 1963,
the total attendances at the private baths and the swimming pools were
31,549 and 130,148 respectively but these figures are exclusive of
attendances in respect of swimming galas.
My thanks are due to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor for
supplying this information.
DRAINAGE
The Public Health Inspectors supervise the whole of the drainage
work carried out in the Borough apart from frontage drains. These are
the sections of drain from the curtilage of the building to the connection
with the sewer, laid under the highway and supervised by the staff of the
Borough Engineer and Surveyor. Some of the drainage work is required by
statutory notice, but the greater amount is in respect of works of
conversion and erection of new buildings. This section of the work of
the department continues to expand, and in view of the ever developing
trends in building, together with increasing heights, it is a very
exacting and responsible duty, calling for considerable thought and
patience, particularly when dealing with complicated schemes of conversion.
However, in the majority of cases good relations are maintained with owners,
architects and builders, although there are many occasions when materials
and schemes have to be refused or amended when falling short of the required
standard.
Time is a valuable factor and to avoid delays in progress of works,
it is the practice to approve schemes in principle where possible and
submit them to the appropriate Committee for ratification, similar action
being taken to schemes amended in progress, and such amendments are
many.
When considering schemes for approval the Inspector is not only
concerned with whether or not the proposals meet the requirements of
the Bye-laws, he also calls attention to any shortcomings and suggests
any obvious simplifications or improvements. This approach is a
considerable factor in the co-operation which exists with architects
and builders.