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Powers were given to both these County Councils to make bylaws
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
accumulation in the stream,
(c) to abate or remove, or cause to be abated or removed,
all or any impediments, obstructions or nuisances whatsoever
in the stream or on the banks thereof.
Such powers included 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
streams covered by the Act was also prohibited except with the
express permission of the respective County Council. The County
Council's consent was also required in connection with the erection
of any buildings, etc., in or over the said streams.
By virtue of the London Government Act, 1963, the functions
of the Kent County Council under the Act became the responsibility
of the G.L.C. from 1st April, 1965.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
At the time of amalgamation, the Boroughs of Greenwich
and Woolwich were actively dealing with applications for works
of conversion or adaptation in respect of previously confirmed
Smoke Control Areas.
Slight differences of policy in the manner each Borough had
previously carried out its Smoke Control Programme were
resolved, chief of which was in regard to publicity. In this
connection the following procedure is now effected by which
means residents of an Area, approved in principle, are given
information and advice appropriate to the various stages which
ensue.
(1) Letters are sent:—
(a) some 6 months preceding the anticipated date of
making the Smoke Control Order enclosing an
explanatory booklet;
(b) following the making of the Order by the Council
and coincident with an advertisement to that effect
in the local press;
(c) following the confirmation of the Order by the
Minister of Housing and Local Government;
(d) some 3 months prior to the operative date, to
residents from whom applications have not been
received.