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The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1955.
The above Act came into operation in December, 1955, and
Part V contains provisions giving Borough Councils powers to: —
(1) Deal more expeditiously with choked and defective drains;
(2) to repair defective pipes or apparatus where the Metropolitan
Water Board has ceased to supply the premises with water
by reason of the defect;
(3) to deal more expeditiously with nuisances where unreasonable
delay would be occasioned by following the normal
procedure;
(4) to require information as to ownership of premises from
occupiers and persons receiving rent.
Public Lavatory Accommodation.
Five public conveniences for both sexes and one for females only
are provided by the Council in various parts of the Borough, two
being underground. In addition to the usual lavatory accommodation,
at least one free water-closet is provided for each sex. Facilities
for washing are also provided.
Three public urinals are maintained, and in addition the urinals
attached to ten licensed premises are, by arrangement with the owners
available to the general public.
The Council provide, in the interests of public health, fr ee
washing facilities at each of the public conveniences in the Borough.
Drainage Work.
The by-laws made by the London County Council under th e
Metropolis Management Acts with regard to drainage and also thos e
under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, relating to water closets,
etc., are enforced by the Council.
During the year new drains were constructed to 294 new buildings,
and the drains of 8 old buildings were partially or entirely reconstructed
under the supervision of the Officers of the Health Department.
135 plans of proposed drainage work were deposited in 1955, as
compared with 141 in 1954.
During the year drains were tested by smoke on 87 occasions
and 26 were found defective. The water test was applied on 803
occasions, this being mainly to drains in course of construction.
The frontage drains of 9 premises were constructed or reconstructed.
Two summonses were issued against a builder under the Drainage
By-laws for failing to give notice to the Council of his intention to
construct a sink waste pipe, and for improperly fitting the same. A
fine was imposed, and costs were awarded to the Council.
Combined Drainage.
Following an infestation of rats in two houses, the drain common
to both premises was found to be defective. A claim by one of the
owners showed the common portion was a "sewer" repairable by
the Council, and this work was carried out by the Council.