London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Battersea 1948

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]

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The remainder of the complaints related to small emissions from
isolated factories, etc. They also were investigated, and remedial
measures suggested. In these cases, also, unsatisfactory fuel supplies
were blamed for much of the trouble.
The total number of observations made was 140.
Effluvium Nuisances.
A number of complaints alleging nuisances from effluvia emitted
from business and industrial premises were received. In only one case
was any justification found for the complaint. This case was reported
to the Health Committee, and on their direction a notice requiring the
abatement of the nuisance was served. The time allowed for compliance
with this notice had not expired by the end of the year.
Offensive Trades.
There are three premises in the Borough at which scheduled
offensive trades are carried on. All these businesses have been established
for many years and are satisfactorily conducted.
Water Supply.
During the year certificates under Section 95 (2) of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, were issued in respect of 182 new or
re-rected dwelling houses or tenements.
In 16 houses additional water supplies on upper floors were provided,
in compliance with notices served under Section 95 (5) of the
Act.
Twenty notices of waste of water from defective fittings, etc.,
observed during routine inspections of various premises, were sent
to the Metropolitan Water Board.
Over 360 tenements on the Council's Housing Estate at Sheepcote
Lane are supplied, in part, with water drawn from deep artesian wells
at the Latchmere Baths, supplemented by supplies from the mains of
the Metropolitan Water Board. The water from the wells is chlorinated,
as a safety measure, before passing into supply. Prior to the
war, samples for bacteriological examination were taken at fortnightly
intervals. During the war, this practice was discontinued, as the
Metropolitan Water Board earmarked the wells for use as an emergency
supply should their normal supplies be seriously interrupted by
enemy action, and themselves took periodical samples. At the end of
1947, the practice was resumed. Twenty-six samples were taken during
the year, and the Public Analyst's reports on them showed that the
water maintained a high degree of purity.
Rag and Bone Dealers.
Premises occupied by rag and bone dealers in the Borough are
subjected inspection. During the year 80 inspections were
made. Various small irregularities found to exist were brought to the
notice occupiers of the premises and were remedied without
recourse to formal action.