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36
Generally, there has been a striking improvement on the industrial side since the
appointed day, though spasmodic cases have occurred requiring investigations and
verbal warnings. The troubles were usually found to be caused by dirty oil burners
or unsatisfactory fuel supplies. In one case of the latter happening a site conference
convened by the Smoke Abatement Officer of representatives of the firm concerned,
the National Coal Board and the coal distributor, resulted in more suitable fuel being
made available and subsequent cessation of offences.
Regular observations on industrial chimney shafts are kept where necessary, using
either micro Ringelmann charts or the new Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research "telesmoke" instrument. Cases arising of nuisance from smoke from rubbish
burning in the open in factory yards etc., have resulted in immediate remedial action
on request.
One serious case of nuisance from dust over the area surrounding an asphalt works
resulted, after much negotiation, in improvements in plant and techniques being
effected Another complaint from a number of residents referred to yellow staining
of laundry, alleged to be due to nearby industrial emissions Numerous test sheets
were put out for periods in the area, but analyses were not possible owing to the
paucity of the deposits obtained
There has been a change over from coal to oil in connection with several boiler
installations providing central heating to blocks of flats and in consequence a
considerable drop in smoke emissions from these sources.
The ready co operation of Industrialists was received in all cases
SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
The year was one of much activity in pursuance of the Council's policy to make
the whole of Fulham a Snoke Control Area in ten years.
THE FULHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (NO 1) SMOKE CONTROL ORDER Operative date 1st
October, 1958
Confirmation of the Council' s first Smoke Control Order was received from the
Ministry of Housing and Local Government on the 13th March and householders were
immediately notified of the action to take to obtain grant aid towards the cost of
conversion or adaptation of their fireplaces. Estate Agents, coal merchants and
local builders were also advised and their attention drawn to particular aspects of
the Order with which they were most concerned. Inevitably there were teething
troubles and problems to be solved but a good working system has been evolved for
fulfilling grant requirements,
One of the greatest problems arising is to induce the public to submit their
proposals at an early date and not to leave them until just before the Smoke Control
Order becomes operative The following graph on page 37 shows the rate of applications
for the first area:-