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34
The general condition and the amenities provided are far from
good but partly as a result of representation from this department
improvements have been made and it is hoped that further ones will be
effected in the near future.
In spite of this the general administration of the Lodging House
has been good and no formal action has been required to deal with any
matter.
The type of person making use of the accommodation has changed
considerably since before the war and now a number, particularly
elderly, have become more or less permanent residents. It is most
unfortunate that the Salvation Army have up to date been unable to
provide a Welfare Worker among both the long term and the short term
residents. There is much scope for social rehabilitation and welfare
work generally.
Regular inspections have been made throughout, and 28 such inspections
were made in 1955.
Canals, Canal Boats and Open Water
There is a small stretch of the Regents Canal about 200 yards in
length and including a lock along the Northern Boundary of the Borough:
extending southwards from it for about 400 feet is the City Basin.
Formerly canal boats halted regularly by the wharves along the
sides of the Basin but since 1948 it has been only on rare occasions,
and boats do not normally halt in their passage along the canal.
Until recently horses were stabled in buildings along the
Northern bank of the canal and nuisances from smells and flies arose
from time to time. The use of horses was gradually given up and now
the stables have been demolished.
No complaints have been received for a long time as to nuisances
from the waters and bathing in them has not been observed and is
unlikely to occur. Inspections have been made from time to time and
the samples of the water examined. Neither the inspections nor the
examinations of the water have revealed any gross or dangerous pollution
and it had appeared that the channels have been cleared as and
when necessary.
One inspection and examination of the water was made during 1955.