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Sanitary inspection
The sanitary conditions of the Borough were subject to routine inspection
and investigations were made into all complaints received.
Particulars of the visits made by the Public Health Inspectors during
the year the number of preliminary and statutory notices served and complied
with and the proceedings instituted will be found in the table in
the Statistical Supplement,
Factories
During the year it was not found necessary to serve any notices relating
to insanitary conditions in factories in the Borough
In the Statistical Supplement will be found a table which has been prepared
in accordance with the form prescribed by the Minister of Labour and
National Service on the administration of the Factories Act 1937, dealing
with factories (mechanical and non-mechanical) and outwork.
Rodent Control
Although the number of complaints of rats was about the same as last
year (373) the number found to be infested (284) showed a decrease of about
25% This is the lowest figure for five years and may be significant.
Unfortunately the mice infestations (180) have increased by about a
third so that the total number of premises treated for rats and mice (459)
are almost the same as in 1956 and as mice are more difficult to clear the
work has not lessened.
An interesting point is that we rarely receive a complaint of mice that
is not justified whereas during this year about 100 complaints relating to
rats were found to be apprehension rather than fact.
This is indicative of the fear of rats, and I regret to say, partial
toleration of mice.
In many cases the mice infestation is severe before a complaint is
made.
Five small areas were treated for rats by "Block control Method".
The sewers were baited three times during the year instead of the
usual twice Good results followed the additional treatment with which we
are wel1 satisfied.
Defective drainage has once again been the main single cause of rat
infestation.
Approximately £182 was received for rat and mice baiting at business
premises,
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