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111
It is hoped that a site of rather more than an acre bounded
by Percival Street, Malta Street and Cyrus Street adjoining this
area will be available by arrangement with the owner for the
erection of working-class flats, of which approximately 78 could
be provided on the site.
Many of the houses are empty at the present time.
Corporation Buildings were purchased from the Corporation
of the City of London last year.
The dwellings comprise nine separate blocks containing
181 tenements, 91 of three rooms, 89 of two rooms and one
four-roomed tenement, and 23 shop premises (each comprising
eight tenements).
Gibson House and Gordon House, Pentonville Road, were also
taken for a tenancy of three years, with an option to renew the
tenancy for a like period.
Underground Rooms.—The Council made Regulations last year
for controlling the occupation of underground rooms. The
Regulations are similar to the Model Regulations issued by the
Ministry of Health. In the absence of alternative accommodation,
it has not been found possible to enforce them rigidly, but steps
are taken when the rooms are vacated. A number have been
either reconditioned or closed voluntarily. The survey of the
underground rooms has been continued, and the records of those
in the Borough, including those over 7 ft. in height, are fairly
complete.
Individual Houses.—No. 3, Norman Street, an old, worn-out
house was represented last year under the Housing Act, 1936.
Lighting of Staircases of Tenement Buildings.
Power is given by the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, to
require the lighting of staircases of tenement buildings.
Last year one notice was served in this matter, and the
necessary lighting was provided.
Housing Applications.
127 families last year were recommended for priority treatment
by the Health Department.