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Despite these difficulties the department continued to Carry out its existing functions without
interruption and was even able to develop some services, thanks to the willing co-operation of the
staff.
OLD PERSONS WELFARE
This work has continued to expand. Close collaboration is maintained with the various organisations
providing appropriate services, with the London County Council Welfare Department and
with the geriatric departments of hospitals.
The Meals on Wheels Service and the "Luncheon Club" meal service has been further developed
towards the goal of a hot meal on at least five days per week for all old persons who desire
it.
The demand for the Meals on Wheels service has increased and an additional Vehichle was purchased
during the year.
An electrically heated form of hot chamber was fitted to the new vehicle in accordance with
the policy decided for the new Hammersmith Borough but it did not prove entirely satisfactory as
difficulty was encountered in cleaning the equipment properly. Modifications made to the equipment
have partially overcome the problem but it is felt that the older and well proved type of charcoal
heated container is the most suitable for this type of service.
The W.V.S. in co-operation with the directors of Stamford Bridge Greyhound Racing Association
opened an old people's luncheon club at the Stamford Bridge Football Ground staff canteen. The
meals are cooked on the premises - the ideal arrangement - and the old people enjoy excellent
meals in interesting surroundings as the dining room overlooks the race track and football pitch
where various training activities often take place. As a result of the opening of this Luncheon Club,
we closed our nearby Shamrock Luncheon Club which had never been adequately supported.
CLEAN AIR
It is very gratifying to be able to state that at the time of writing this Report the approval of
the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has been received to the proposals for the ninth and
last Smoke Control Area to be established by the Council.
This means that by October Ist, 1965, when the 9th order becomes operative, the whole of
Fulham will be one large Smoke Control Area covering 1,700 acres and benefitting over 100,000
persons.
Although not the first London local authority to complete its Smoke Control programme, it is
fair to say Fulham is the first major residential area to do this, and its achievement in only eight
years is one of which Fulham can feel justly proud: This success is in my opinion largely due to
three factors. Firstly, the determination of the Council to play its full part in the national battle
against that most important public health menace and economic waster, atmospheric pollution, by
eliminating from within the borough as quickly as possible the production of avoidable atmospheric
pollution.
Secondly, to the willing support given to the Council to achieve this objective by the ratepayers.
It i s important to recall that throughout thr whole Clean Air programme not a single public enquiry
into the Council's proposals had to be held by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, tes^