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44
CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
INDUSTRIAL PREMISES
It is pleasing to report that emissions of smoke from factory chimneys constituting offences
under the Act or contraventions of The Dark Smoke (Permitted Periods) Regulations, 1958 were few.
Often the cause was mechanical breakdown, which the firms concerned reported immediately to
the department. In every case managements took the necessary steps without delay and no case
called for legal proceedings.
SMOKE NUISANCES
Ten complaintsof smoke nuisances due to burning refuse of various kinds in the open were
received. In each case the matter received immediate attention on request and no recurrences
were reported.
SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
Smoke Control Order No.8
To publicise the effect of Smoke Control Order No.8 which came into operation on 1st
October 1964, letters were sent to 5,371 householders in the area, to estate agents, coal merchants,
builders, electrical contractors and to other business premises.
It is the Council's usual practice following the confirmation of a smoke control order by
the Minister to hold an exhibition in the area affected, but having regard to the large size of area
No.8 two very successful Clean Air Exhibitions were held at the following places and times:-
Christ Church Hall 13th - 15th February 1964
Holman Hunt School 18th - 20th February 1964
Smoke Control Order No. 9
This area which is the only remaining one not so far dealt with under the Council's clean
air programme has been surveyed. The survey shows that the area, which comprises 368 acres,
contains 6,752 dwellings and 497 other premises. The estimated cost of adapting and replacing
fireplaces to the agreed standard is £64,721 towards which the Council will make grants estimated
at £48,405; of this amount £25,888 will be contributed by the Exchequer leaving £22,517 to be
found by the Borough Council. The Council recommended that the order should become operative
as from 1st October, 1965.
Section 3. Notices of Intention to Install Furnaces
During the year two notices were received in respect of oil-fired boilers.
Exhaust Fumes from Motor Vehicles
The practice of drawing the attention of vehicle owners to emissions of heavy exhaust from
their vehicles was continued.
During 1964, twelve diesel-engine vehicles were in the Borough to be emitting
dark smoke of a sufficient density to warrant the attention of the owners being drawn to the fact.
All the firms concerned were most co-operative in immediately having the vehicles withdrawn
from service and examined.