London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hammersmith 1960

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]

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31
being used by a greater number of families per dwelling. Hence
more rooms per house have scraps of food left lying around, and
this not only helps the mice to breed, but is making successful treatment more and more difficult. The Public Health Inspectors are
trying to guide the public on this aspect of biological control.
The sewers were baited twice during the year.
Approximately £171 was received for treatment at business
premises as against approximately £130 in 1959.

The following is a summary for the year with comparable figures for 1959 in brackets:—

Premises inspected :
Dwellings 580 (560) Business1,166(1.030)Total 1,746(1,590)
Complaints :
Rats 379(401) Mice214(124)Total 593 (525)
"Discovered" other than by complaint:
Dwellings 23 (34) Business2(1)Total 25 (35)
Premises infested by rats :
Dwellings 254 (281) Business41(39)Total 295 (320)
Premises infested by mice :
Dwellings 188(113) Business31 (30)Total 219(143)
Premises treated by Council staff518 (468)
Major infestations23 (38)
Notices served relating to Rodent Control66 (65)
Re-inspections by Public Health Inspectors on infested premises1588 (1216)

Sewerage.
The main sewers and the sewage disposal in London are the
responsibility of the London County Council. Rainwater and soil
sewage is carried in the same sewers, and the arrangements for
Hammersmith are not yet adequate inasmuch that some basements
in the Borough are liable to flooding from time to time when heavy
storms cause the sewers to become surcharged. The area mostly
affected is in the vicinity of the northern end of Askew Road.
In 1960 flooding occurred on two occasions. The first was
on the 7th August and was more wide spread than previously.
Many complaints were received from various parts of the Borough
and the staff of the Health Department, in co-operation with the
Borough Engineer and Surveyor's Department, were organised to
give immediate help in cases of most need. Some 327 premises
were visited by the Public Health Inspectors and assistance was given
in drying bedding, cushions and carpets; the Council's laundries
were made available free of charge, and disinfectant was supplied
where necessary. The removal of silt and water from under floors,
and drain clearance was referred to the Borough Engineer and
Surveyor.