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were replaced by electrically operated submersible pumps of
modern design, with the result that the yield from these borings is
now sufficient for normal requirements, the mains being drawn
upon only in emergency.
The water is chlorinated, as a safety measure, before passing
into supply. A sample of the chlorinated water is taken every
fortnight, and in addition, every three months a sample is taken
from the rising main of each borehole (i.e., before chlorination).
These samples are submitted, for bacteriological examination, to
the Public Analyst, whose reports show that the water consistently
maintains a high degree of purity.
Rag and Bone Dealers.
Premises occupied by rag and bone dealers in the Borough are
subjected to regular inspection. During the year 119 inspections
were made. Various small irregularities found to exist were
brought to the notice of the occupiers of the premises and were
remedied without recourse to formal action.
Fouling of Footpaths by Dogs.
No breach of the Council's by-law relating to this matter
was reported during the year.
Verminous Premises.
During the year 236 premises, including 18 flats or houses on
the Council's estates, which were found to be infested with vermin
(principally bed-bugs) were disinfested. The usual method of treatment
is by a D.D.T./pyrethrum spray.
Van Dwellings.
There are three sites in the Borough on which van dwellings
have regularly been placed for many years. The number of vans
on the sites varies from time to time. All the sites are subject to
regular inspection and are in general reasonably well kept.
One additional site came into use during the year, particularly
for the accommodation of the caravans of showmen engaged at
the Festival Pleasure Gardens in Battersea Park. The site was
provided with adequate water supplies, sanitary accommodation,
etc., in compliance with the Council's By-laws.
Three cases of the placing of an odd caravan on a bombed
site also came to light. In one case, adequate water, sanitary
accommodation, etc., were available, and no action could be taken.
In the other two, these essentials were absent, and notices were
in consequence served under the by-laws. The caravans were
subsequently removed.
Dangerous Structures.
Seventy-two cases in which structures or parts thereof had
been noted, in the course of inspections for various purposes, as
appearing to be unsafe, were referred to the District Surveyor of
the London County Council for his attention.