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52
River Ravensbourne—Jurisdiction. Although no complaints
of flooding were received during the year under review, heavy
storms of late have emphasised the need for preventing the
overflowing of the Ravensbourne and its tributaries at times of
heavy rainfall.
Many properties in the Borough in close proximity to the
River Ravensbourne have suffered from inundations once or twice
a year in recent years and flood waters have penetrated to the foundations,
resulting in extreme discomfort to the inhabitants besides
tending to produce in the dwellings ideal conditions for the spreading
of dry rot.
It was reported in 1959 that the problem was being investigated
under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food which had invited the London County Council to consider
in what way jurisdiction over the river could best be exercised.
After a number of consultations with local authorities concerned
and with Ministry approval the London County Council with
the Kent County Council drafted a joint Bill which was presented
to Parliament and, on the 3rd August, 1961, the River Ravensbourne,
etc. (Improvement and Flood Prevention) Act, 1961,
received the Royal Assent.
This Act confers like powers on the London County Council
and Kent County Council for " the improvement and protection of
and the prevention of flooding from the River Ravensbourne atid
its tributaries and for purposes connected therewith." In London
it applies not only to the rivers Ravensbourne, Pool, and Quaggy,
the Kid Brook, Kyd Brook and the Lower Kid Brook but also to
the parts of all tributaries, brooks and watercourses (whether open
or covered) that flow into these rivers or streams.
Powers are given to both these County Councils to make by—
laws and, in the prevention of pollution,
(a) to dredge, cleanse and scour the stream,
(b) to reduce or remove any shoals, shelves, banks or other
accumulations in the stream,
(c) to abate or remove, or cause to be abated or removed,
all or any impediments, obstructions or nuisances what—
soever in the stream or on the banks thereof.
Such powers include the purchase of any necessary land by agreement
or compulsorily and the prohibition of the deposition of any
articles, matter, etc. in the stream or on the banks. Dredging of