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26
Vacant Sites, Static Water Tanks, etc.
Complaints continued to be made of nuisances caused by the
dumping of rubbish in disused static water tanks, and on cleared
sites and in derelict buildings, and by the accumulation of stagnant
rainwater in static water tanks, although they were less numerous
than in preceding years. In some cases, the rubbish consisted
merely of builder's material, scrap metal, etc., which, although
unsightly, could not be said to be a danger to health. In certain
instances, however, dead animals, vegetable refuse, old bedding, and
other material of a putrescible nature were found. It appears that
the primary responsibility for abating any nuisance so caused rests
upon the owner of the site, but in view of the difficulty and delay
which would have arisen in most cases from any attempt to
enforce this responsibility, the Council themselves undertook the
removal of any such material causing or likely to cause danger
to health, a special provision of £100 having been made for this
purpose.
Four cases in which particular nuisance was being caused by
accumulations of water and rubbish in static water tanks were, however,
taken up with the owners of the sites. In two of these
cases, the tanks were emptied and cleansed, the other two being
still outstanding at the end of the year.
Burial of Deceased Persons.
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the
Council are responsible for the burial or cremation of the body of
any person dying or being found dead in the Borough, and have
power to recover from the estate of the deceased person, or from
any person who, under the Act, was liable to maintain the deceased
immediately prior to his death, their expenses incurred in carrying out
the duty, in so far as these expenses are not covered by any grant
made under the National Insurance Act, 1946.
During the year, 15 cases were dealt with, as per the following
table:—
Died in St. James's Hospital ... ... 5
„ at home 9
Body found at Clapham Junction Railway
Station 1
15
The burials arranged by the Council are carried out by a local
undertaker under contract, and not more than one coach is provided
for followers. The Health Department make the arrangements and
collect all available information regarding any estate left by the
deceased, particulars of his National Insurance, and the existence of
any "liable" relatives. This information is passed to the Borough
Treasurer so that he may take steps to recover the cost.
The total cost incurred in dealing with the 15 cases was
£99 of which £63 had been recovered by the end of the year.