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All infestations coming to light, whether by way of complaint or
otherwise, are systematically investigated, and the appropriate action
taken. Where the cause of the trouble is obviously defective drains
or other defects in the building, the owner is called upon to effect the
necessary repairs. This aspect of the work involves close co-operation
between the Rodent Control Staff and the Public Health Inspectors.
In the case of private dwellings the work of disinfestation is carried out
by the Rodent Control Staff free of cost, and on request at business
premises, where the cost is charged in full.
Property
Infested by Rats
Major
Minor
Seriously
infested
by Mice
Council's properties - 9 -
Dwelling houses - 95 40
Business premises - 76 29
- 180 69
The total number of visits made to the above premises, and
to others which were found not to be infested, was 3,231.
The baiting of sewers under the control of the Council is carried
out twice yearly, and the amount of poison bait taken is a measure of
the success of the treatments.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food had, up to the
31st March, 1959, made a grant of 50 per cent, towards the cost of the
service. This grant has now ceased, but the standard of control is
being maintained. The Ministry's technical, advisory and instructional
service is still available to the Council's Officers, should it be required.
Verminous Premises.
During the year 342 premises which were found to be infested
with vermin were disinfested. The insecticide used contains Pybuthrin
and Lindane/D.D.T. and gives a prolonged residual effect.
Van Dwellings.
There are three principal sites in the Borough where caravans or
other types of moveable dwellings are situated. These sites are regularly
inspected, and during the year 205 inspections were made. All have
sufficient sanitary accommodation, a mains water supply, and are provided
with sufficient dustbin accommodation.
Under powers contained in the London County Council (General
Powers) Act, 1959, the Council may grant licences authorising the use
of the sites for moveable dwellings. After the " Appointed Day which
is the 1st October, 1960, it will be an offence for any person to use or
knowingly allow to be used any land occupied by him as a site for
moveable dwellings, unless he holds a licence granted by the Council.
The Council may attach to any licence granted such conditions as they
think fit as to the number of moveable dwellings which may be kept on
the land, the amount of space to be kept free between such dwellings,
water supply, fire protection arrangements, sanitary conditions and the
prevention of nuisance from noise.