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26
Atmospheric Pollution.
Clean Air Act, 1956.
Smoke Control Areas.
The Council's No. 1 Smoke Control Order became operative on
the 1st October, 1959. The area, comprising approximately 50 acres
surrounding St. James's Hospital, is almost entirely residential. The
Council decided to allow an extension of time for the receipt of applications
up to the 31st March, 1960.
By the end of the year, 266 applications had been received for the
approval of the estimated costs of adaptations to 493 fireplaces; 248 of
these applications had been approved, and the work had been satisfactorily
completed in 119 cases—73 by owners and 46 by tenants.
Grants amounting to £1,097 19s. Od. had been paid. Seven applications
for payment of extra grant in addition to the statutory seven-tenths of
seven-twentieths grant, on the grounds of hardship, were approved, the
estimated additional cost to the Council being £22 12s. 0d.
Applications were not received from all premises within the Area,
and a survey was made which was in the nature of an enquiry and to
advise the occupants again of the need to make application if they wished
to apply for grant. The reason given in the majority of cases for taking no
action in the matter was that the persons concerned were out at busines
during the day, and open fires were not necessary. Electric, gas or oil
burning appliances were used during the week, and if an open fire was
required over the week-end, one of the authorised fuels was used, which
could be burnt satisfactorily in the existing grate. It was pointed out
that this type of fuel might not be easy to obtain, and that the conversion
of the fireplace to one capable of burning some of the more reactive
cokes which were in good supply would be advisable. However, providing
an authorised fuel was used no action could be taken.
An additional Investigator was appointed to commence on the
inspection of the Council's second Area, which is planned to adjoin
the No. 1 Area, and extend from Nightingale Lane to the south side
of Broomwood Road. This work is proceeding, and information
being obtained of the number of fireplaces which may require conversion.
At the same time, advice is given, and an explanatory leaflet left With
each occupier.
Smoke, etc., Nuisances and Observations.
During the year, 21 complaints were made alleging nuisances from
smoke, dust, grit, etc., emitted from premises in various parts of the
Borough. All these complaints received careful and sometimes
prolonged investigation.
In addition to dealing with specific complaints, observations are
kept upon the chimneys of any industrial plant which merits observation,
and the appropriate action taken. A total number of 178
observations were made. No notices were served.