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212
Defective Dwellings
Repairs—With regard to houses found not to be in a reasonable
state of repair, the following procedure, classified under two
headings is generally adopted:—
(1) Complaints from or on behalf of the occupier—The District
Public Health Inspector makes inspection and a preliminary Notice
is sent to the owner specifying the work necessary to abate the
nuisance. Where necessary, the circumstances are reported to the
Health Committee for authority to serve a Notice to enforce abatement
of the nuisance. The premises are reinspected and, if work
required is not executed within a reasonable period, an Abatement
Notice is served. In cases of non-compliance the Town Clerk is
instructed to institute proceedings.
(2) Housing Defects—These are cases where the conditions are
such that they cannot be remedied under the procedure of the
Public Health Acts, and are dealt with under the Housing Act,
1957, as being houses unfit for human habitation. Representations
are made to the Health/Housing Committee to consider as to
whether such houses can be repaired at a reasonable cost having
regard to the value of the premises, or whether Closing and Demolition
Orders should be made.
Pigeon Nuisance
A local authority is enabled by Section 74 of the Public Health
Act, 1961, to deal with nuisance arising from the congregation of
pigeons believed to be ownerless.
During the year, 44 complaints were received and, where
justified and practical, arrangements were made to reduce the
pigeons to a reasonable number by members of the Rodent Control
Staff.
In one instance narcotic treatment, authorised by licence from
the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, was carried out
by this department's staff in Well Hall Pleasaunce in an attempt
to reduce the number of pigeons roosting under the railway bridges
at Well Hall Road, Foxhole Road and Westhorne Avenue.
As a further means of controlling the numbers of pigeons,
trapping was carried out at six separate sites throughout the
Borough.
The total number of pigeons caught and destroyed during the
year was 1,760.