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Nine two-room cottages were also reported during the year. In six of these cottages the
walls were underpinned, and the dampness remedied by the insertion of damp-proof courses. Light
and ventilation were provided for the staircases, and other necessary repairs executed. The
remaining three cottages were in South End Gardens. Two were closed by Order of the Council,
the third presenting no defect except a leakage in the roof, which was remedied. The results
were accordingly as set out below:
Number of two-roomed cottages reported 9
Number in which defects were remedied 7
Number closed by Order of the Council 2
Closing Orders.—The above two cottages were the only dwelling houses closed by Order
of the Council during the year. On inspection they were found to be excessively damp, dark
and dirty. The ground floor in one case was 4 in. below the level of the pavement outside, the
only through ventilation provided was by means of a small air brick in the rear wall, the rooms
were small with low ceilings, and badly lighted by small dilapidated windows. The tiles of the
roof were defective, and the whole structure of the premises through age was in a worn out
condition and incapable of repair, except at an expense which the value of the cottages would
not have justified.
Eight registered lodging houses which had been left vacant in the Golborne Ward with the
result that they had been completely wrecked by the hooligans of the neighbourhood, were
represented to the Council with a view to Closing Orders being made. The amount of damage
done in a short time was extensive, water fittings having been torn out, cupboards, baluster
rails and the panels of doors removed for firewood, large holes having been made in the partition
walls, whilst in many cases rain poured through the defective roof and soaked through to the
floor of the first storey.
The Closing Orders were recommended with a view to ensuring that the houses should be
rendered fit for human habitation before they were bought for a few pounds as a speculation, and
let off in tenements for anything they would fetch—and the recommendation is still under the
consideration of the Housing Sub-Committee.
Demolition Orders. -No demolition order has been made in respect to the two houses
which have been closed. They are not a source of danger to neighbouring dwellings, and their
demolition would serve no purpose except that of enabling the Council to comply with the precise
letter of the Housing Acts.
Procedure for the Remedy of Defects.—From the figures which have been given,
it will have been understood that defects were found in 87 out of 96 houses inspected for the
purpose of the Housing Regulations. With a view to securing the remedy of the defects reported,
statutory notices have been served either under Section 4 of the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, or under Section 15 of the Housing Act, 1909. In certain cases specifications of the works
required have been drawn up and agreed to by the owners concerned, with the result that defects
have been remedied without the service of statutory notices. Seven houses were vacated without
the service of notices, the owner having declared his intention to convert them into business
premises. Two were closed by order of the Council, and eight vacant houses were represented
with a view to Closing Orders being made. The nature of the action taken, with the results
obtained, is shown in the following Table:—
Procedure for Remedy of Defects
in 87 Dwelling Houses.
Number of Houses.
Defects
Remedied.
Vacated.
Total.
Notices under s. 15, Housing Act, 1909 5 14 19
Notices under Public Health (London) Act, 1891 28 1 29
Negotiation without Notice 22 7 29
Represented under s. 17, Housing Act, 1909 — 10 10
Totals 55 32 87