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37
Smoke observations on business premises were carried out on
9 occasions.
Nuisances Arising from Bomb Damaged Buildings, E.W.S.
Sites and A.R.P. Shelters.—Many of the above sites throughout
the Borough have been causes of complaint, and while immediate
danger to health, such as rat and fly infestations, can be dealt with,
the sources of trouble remain. These potential nuisances and
continued eye-sores require attention on broader lines than can be
given under existing circumstances.
Existing Remedies.—
(a) Dangerous structures: The District Surveyor can deal with
portions of structure agreed as 'dangerous'.
(b) Dangerous areas or basements abutting on footway. The
Council has power to fence off.
(c) Animal carcases or offensive material can be removed.
(In isolated cases, owners have been persuaded to board up windows
or otherwise render access difficult).
(d) E.W.S. Structures. The National Fire Service have undertaken
to deal with nuisances in individual cases but not their
clearance. (Those on public highways are now being cleared by
the Council).
(e) A.R.P. Shelters. Acting under Defence Regulations 50 the
Council are proceeding with the demolition and removal of these
structures. (By the 31st of December practically all were removed).
(/) Amenity Clearance. In cases where public amenities are
interfered with, the Minister of Health may approve clearance of
derelict sites.
The Public Health Committee considered reports towards the
year end and some of the worst sites were in the process of representation.
Much of the 'bombed site' nuisance is caused by casual tipping
of small quantities of rubbish and it is felt that a sense of local
civic pride is the only real remedy. If, and when, it is possible to
embark on a programme of clearance, residents in the vicinity of
such sites should be given an opportunity of co-operating by being
asked to supervise and control the clearance area. Unless such
co-operation is forthcoming, effort may be wasted.